Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from a possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.
Counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama disclosed this in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, stating that the incident occurred along the Buratai–Kamuya road.
According to Makama, the corps members—36 males and 38 females, were rescued around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.
Troops were deployed to the area after a CCTV system monitored by soldiers detected suspicious movement involving three buses.
“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults.
“The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” the report stated.
Makama noted that the corps members had earlier been escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Garrison, but proceeded to Hawul Local Government Area without notifying Sector 2 Headquarters or securing an armed escort.
The group was reportedly on an evangelical mission to Hawul when the incident occurred.
The rescued corps members are currently lodged at the Buratai military base, where arrangements are being made for their safe onward movement.
