Troops rescue six more abductees as search for Lassa students intensifies in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued six more abducted persons, including two infants, in Borno State as security forces intensify ongoing search and rescue operations across the North-East.

The military said the latest operation, carried out through a combination of sustained air and ground offensives backed by credible intelligence, led to the rescue of the victims at Talakawa in Chibok Local Government Area.

According to a statement on Saturday by Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the rescued victims comprise four adults and two infants who were abducted by terrorists in Mussa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, in May.

The operation forms part of the military’s efforts to recover abducted students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, as well as other civilians held captive by insurgents operating in the region.

Following their rescue, the victims were evacuated to a secure location where they are undergoing comprehensive medical examinations and receiving necessary treatment.

“Immediate relief materials and other basic necessities had been provided to the rescued persons to ease the trauma of their captivity, while arrangements are being made to reunite them safely with their families”, the statement added.

Operation HADIN KAI described the development as another major breakthrough in its sustained counter-terrorism campaign, saying the success underscores the effectiveness of coordinated search and rescue operations involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Borno State Government, other security agencies and auxiliary forces.

The military disclosed that troops are maintaining relentless pressure on fleeing terrorists by pursuing them along their withdrawal routes to deny them freedom of movement and operational space.

During the follow-up exploitation of the terrorists’ escape routes, troops recovered 50 rounds of PKT machine gun ammunition abandoned by the insurgents.

According to the military, the recovery reflects the intensity of the ongoing offensive and suggests the terrorists retreated in disarray under sustained military pressure.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing search and rescue operations until every remaining abducted victim is safely recovered.

The theatre command also appealed to residents across the North-East to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

It further urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports capable of causing panic, assuring Nigerians that troops remain committed to protecting lives and property, defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.