Troops rescue 12 kidnap victims after clearance operation in mandara mountains

Troops rescue 12 kidnap victims after clearance operation in mandara mountains

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 kidnap victims seven women and five children abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno State.

Zagazola reports that the victims, who were seized on Nov. 14 while travelling along the route, were freed on Sunday following a coordinated clearance operation in the Mandara Mountains under Operation Desert Sanity IV/Diligent Search.

Sources said that the rescue was conducted by troops under 26 Task Force Brigade, working jointly with hybrid forces, hunters and vigilantes.

The sources said troops launched a limited offensive in the early hours of Sunday, advancing along the Mandara Mountain foothills up to Uvaha, where they engaged the terrorists with “a high volume of fire”, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee.

“The victims, who had scattered into nearby bushes for safety during the firing, later emerged and moved towards the road, where troops rescued them at about 08:45 a.m.,” the sources added.

The rescued women were identified as Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa and Hadiza Hamman, alongside five children.

The victims, who trekked long distances after being abandoned, were taken to the brigade field ambulance for treatment of blisters and other injuries, with some reporting they had been severely beaten by the terrorists during captivity.

They were later provided meals and handed over to the representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area, for reunification with their families.

Troops rescue 12 kidnap victims after clearance operation in mandara mountains