Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 people abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that the victims were seized on November 14 while travelling along the route.
The publication said the abductees were rescued on Sunday following a coordinated clearance operation in the Mandara mountains under Operation Desert Sanity IV/Diligent Search.
Makama said the rescue was conducted by troops under 26 task force brigade, working jointly with hybrid forces, hunters and vigilantes.
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It reported that the 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 in a fierce gun duel, 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 publication said.
Makama said seven women and five children were rescued through the operation.
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The women were identified as Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa and Hadiza Hamman.
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 were severely beaten by the terrorists while in captivity.
They were later provided meals and handed over to the representative of the chairman of Gwoza LGA for reunification with their families.
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