By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Army has said that its Combat Team of the 7 Division on Friday secured the release of about 78 hostages comprising 35 women and 43 children during an aggressive clearance patrol in terrorists’ enclaves in Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Saturday.
According to the statement, the troops stormed six villages where terrorists were dwelling with hostages. This resulted in a fierce gun battle and the troops were able to eliminate five of the criminals.
The enclaves and villages cleared by the troops included Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension as well as Yamanci and Gargaji general areas
The statement reads, “Gallant troops of the 7 Division Nigerian Army have continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterpart in North East Nigeria.
“In an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, 22 March 2024, by a Combat Team (CT) of the Division, troops successfully cleared 6 villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.
“During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating 5 of the terrorists. The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, including 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.
“The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas. Items recovered are one terrorist’s flag, and a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists. The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.
“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the Northeast of terrorists and insurgents.”
