Troops rescue two aid workers abducted by ISWAP in Borno

Troops of operation Desert Sanity 2 have rescued two of the three Family Health International (FHI360) staff abducted by the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Borno. 

TheCable had reported how ISWAP abducted the aid workers and two security guards during an attack on the NGO’s guest house in Gamboru Ngala on April 26.

They were said to have been whisked away to an unknown destination.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the two aid workers were rescued during a gun battle between the troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade and ISWAP fighters in Banki, Bama LGA.

Zagazola Makama said during the gun duel, the victims jumped out of the vehicle of the terrorists and quickly identified themselves to the troops.

Two security guards abducted alongside the staffers and one other staff who ran into the bush are yet to be found.

In 2022, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said many aid workers have either died, been injured, or kidnapped in north-east Nigeria.

While marking the 2022 World Humanitarian Day, the UN said the challenges have not deterred humanitarian workers from ensuring that aid gets to people who need them.

António Guterres, UN secretary-general, said the aid workers who dedicate their lives to assist people represent “the best in humanity”.