Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued a serving councillor and an Islamic scholar who were abducted by terrorists along the Buni Gari–Buratai road in Borno State, following a swift search-and-rescue operation.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, working alongside the 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The coordinated mission was launched at about 7:35am on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the abduction occurred.
According to security sources, the victims were among seven civilians kidnapped at about 5:00pm on Tuesday along the Buni Gari–Buratai axis, a route that has witnessed repeated attacks by insurgents in recent years.
A security source disclosed that troops intensified their search operation immediately after receiving reports of the abduction. “Consequently, at about 11:35am on Wednesday, troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims who were abandoned by the terrorists upon hearing the movement of troops towards their location ahead of Mangari village,” the source said.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a serving councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam, Borno State.
Following their rescue, troops pursued the fleeing terrorists for approximately 5.4 kilometres, but no contact was made. The operation was later scaled down to focus on securing the victims and gathering intelligence.
The rescued individuals reportedly informed troops that five other civilians remain in captivity. Those still held include the current and immediate past Vice Chairmen of Biu Local Government Area, as well as three women.
“The effort to rescue the remaining five civilians is ongoing,” the security source added.
The victims were first taken to a medical reception station for medical evaluation before being moved to Biu, where they were reunited with their families. Military authorities have assured residents that intensified operations will continue until all abducted persons are rescued.
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