In a relentless push to eliminate the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) and their strongholds in Borno and neighboring states, significant strides have been made by the troops. A notable achievement was recorded by the 144 Battalion as they successfully liberated 25 hostages who had been held captive by BHT.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, revealed that a joint effort between the gallant troops and a Hybrid Force resulted in the liberation of 14 hostages during a clearance operation in Gobara village within the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state on August 26, 2023. Among the rescued individuals were 6 women and 8 children.
Continuing the momentum, on August 27, 2023, the 82 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with the Hybrid Force, conducted a raid on a BHT stronghold in Gava Village, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. This operation resulted in the rescue of 11 civilians who had been held captive.
All those who have been liberated are currently under the care of the troops and are undergoing profiling to ensure their well-being and security.
Further highlighting the effectiveness of these operations, a separate incident occurred on the same day, August 27, 2023. In Dikwa Local Government Area, Borno State, seven members of a BHT-affiliated family chose to surrender themselves to the troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion. The surrendered family consisted of three adults and four children, marking another step towards dismantling the Boko Haram network.
In a parallel effort against banditry, troops from the 2 Battalion, Nigerian Army, executed a successful operation on August 27, 2023, in Kaduna State. Acting on actionable intelligence, they neutralized a criminal and successfully rescued four kidnap victims from Kwana Shehu Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. These victims have been joyfully reunited with their families.
General Nwachukwu urged the public to contribute to the ongoing operations across the country by providing credible information that can enhance the effectiveness of the troops’ efforts.
