Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The rescue reportedly took place on Tuesday night after the corps members’ vehicles broke down near a notorious kidnapping hotspot. Military sources said the intervention, which occurred around 9:05 p.m., was triggered by real-time footage from a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system monitored by security operatives.
According to the sources, the CCTV detected suspicious movement involving three buses in the area, prompting the immediate deployment of a patrol team.
“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members — 36 males and 38 females — stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. They were swiftly rescued to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” a military source confirmed.
Investigations revealed that the corps members had earlier been escorted by troops of the 7 Division Garrison from Maiduguri to Damaturu. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without notifying Sector 2 Headquarters or securing an armed escort.
It was further gathered that the NYSC members were on an evangelical mission to Hawul when the incident occurred.
The rescued individuals are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base, where arrangements are being made for their safe onward movement.
This incident comes just days after the same troops rescued 86 kidnapped victims and arrested 29 suspected Boko Haram collaborators within the same operational corridor.