Troops rescue 1,623 persons held captives by Boko Haram

Nigerian troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, assisted by ten civilian JTF, rescued a total of 1,623 persons held captive by members of the Boko Haram terrorists group. 

According to a statement released last night by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, the successful rescue operation was based on information received, yesterday by the troops by the civilian JTF intimating them to act for the safety of the captives.

The troops, according to Usman, had embarked on offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State based on the tip-off. 

But the statement said while advancing, the troops came under heavy fire at Jarawa village and responded decisively. They went further to clear Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements. “During the operation, the troops neutralized 21 Boko Haram terrorists, rescued 1,623 residents of Jarawa who were held captives by the terrorists.

“They also recovered three AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 Hand Grenade, 12 Cutlasses and four motorcycles, “the statement added. The rescued persons have been escorted to Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, while all the children were vaccinated. The statement added:” One significant aspect of this operation is that the unit noted for its experience in battle, resilience and bravery did not record any casualty. “