The troops of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army have achieved a significant victory in their ongoing operation against terrorist groups in the North-East region. In a statement released on Saturday by Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army spokesperson, it was revealed that the troops successfully rescued 78 hostages from terrorist enclaves during an aggressive clearance patrol across six villages.
The rescued victims comprise 35 women and 43 children, who had been held captive by the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) and their Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) counterparts. The villages targeted in the operation were Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, Bula Dalo extension, Yamanci, and Gargaji.
The Army spokesperson stated that the troops engaged in a fierce gun battle with the terrorists, resulting in the neutralization of five insurgents. During the operation, the troops recovered one terrorist flag and a mobile phone from the enclaves.
Nwachukwu emphasized that the rescued victims are currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigations and profiling processes. He further affirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the momentum of Operation Desert Sanity III, aimed at ridding the North-East region of terrorist and insurgent elements.
This successful rescue operation follows a similar incident on March 19, when troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 10 women and six children in Katsina State. The victims were among the more than 55 individuals abducted on February 3 while escorting a bride to her matrimonial home along the Damari town in Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts in combating terrorism and rescuing civilians held captive by these extremist groups underscore the nation’s determination to restore peace and security in the affected regions. The successful operations not only weaken the terrorist groups but also provide hope for the safe return of abducted individuals to their families and communities.