Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, from a potential abduction by terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
In a statement Thursday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba disclosed that the rescue took place late Tuesday night after a closed-circuit television surveillance system monitored by the military detected suspicious movement around the area.
According to Uba, the rescued corps members 36 males and 38 females were travelling in three commercial buses when their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot at about 9:05 p.m.
“On arrival, troops discovered that the passengers were NYSC members who had been stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The troops immediately secured the area and rescued them from a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists operating in that axis,” the statement read.
The corps members were safely evacuated to the Buratai military base for shelter and protection, pending arrangements for their onward movement to their destinations.
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Lt.-Col. Uba explained that the swift response of the troops was due to the proactive surveillance network established under Operation Hadin Kai, which monitors high-risk routes in the North-East to detect suspicious activity.
The Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and rapid response that averted what could have been a major national tragedy.
He reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as corps members and humanitarian workers operating in the region.
“The Nigerian military remains determined to secure all areas in the North-East and protect the lives and property of Nigerians. We will continue to ensure that peace and stability are sustained,” he added.
The latest rescue underscores the ongoing threat of insurgent attacks on rural highways and the continued efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces to secure key mobility corridors across the region.
