Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a potential abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the corps members — 36 males and 38 females — were rescued around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a notorious kidnapping hotspot.
The publication reported that a military patrol team was quickly dispatched after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by troops detected suspicious movement involving three buses in the area.
“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults,” the report reads.
“The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area.”
Zagazola further noted that the corps members had earlier been escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Garrison. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they allegedly failed to inform Sector 2 headquarters before continuing their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without an armed escort.
The report added that the rescued NYSC members are currently being housed at the Buratai military base pending further arrangements for their safe passage.
Last year, gunmen abducted one Chiamaka Obi, an NYSC member, along the Niger–Onitsha Expressway in Niger State. Obi, a native of Edenta in Okwu Etiti, Orsu LGA of Imo State, was reportedly kidnapped while returning from Kebbi State after completing her service year.