Troops raid terrorists’ enclaves, rescue 78 hostages in north-east

Troops of the 7 division of the Nigerian Army have rescued 78 hostages from terrorists’ enclaves across the north-east region. 

In a statement on Saturday, Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, said the rescued victims comprise 35 women and 43 children.

He added that the troops carried out an “aggressive clearance patrol” in six villages “to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) and their JAS counterpart”.

Nwachukwu said five terrorists were killed in a “fierce gun battle”.

He said the villages raided by the troops are Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, Bula Dalo extension, Yamanci and Gargaji.

The army spokesperson said the items recovered were one terrorist’s flag and a mobile phone.

He added that the rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.

“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents,” Nwachukwu said.

On March 19, troops of the Nigerian Army also rescued 10 women and six children in Katsina.

The victims were among the over 55 persons kidnapped on February 3 while escorting a bride to her matrimonial home along the Damari town in Sabuwa LGA of the state.