Army Rescues 78 Kidnapped Captives, Kills 5 Terrorists In Borno Villages

5 militants were slain by the Nigerian Army in Borno State during clearance operations

35 women and 43 children were among the 78 kidnapped victims that were rescued on Friday, March 22, during the Combat Team's clearance operations.

Additionally, the military effectively cleared six villages that the terrorists were using as a base of operations.

Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, Bula Dalo extension, Yamanci, and Gargaji are among the Borno State communities that were cleared.

Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Saturday, March 23, that the achievement came about following a hard-fought gunfight with the militants.

The statement reads: “Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army have continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterpart in North East Nigeria.

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“In an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, March 22, 2024, by a Combat Team of the Division, troops successfully cleared six villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.

“During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating five of the terrorists. The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.

“The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas. Items recovered are one terrorist's flag and a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists. The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.

“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgent.”