Nigerian Troops Rescue 74 NYSC Members From Boko Haram Kidnapping Attempt in Borno

Nigerian troops have successfully prevented the abduction of 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State. The prospective corps members were traveling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State for their mandatory one-year national service when their bus broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot along the Buratai–Kamuya road.

A statement from the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, confirmed that military patrols were quickly deployed after CCTV monitoring detected suspicious movement involving three buses in the area. Troops found the 74 NYSC members, including 36 males and 38 females, stranded and immediately escorted them to safety to prevent a possible abduction.

The rescued corps members are currently staying at the Buratai military base while arrangements are made for their safe relocation. The statement praised the prompt action and vigilance of the troops, which officials said averted a potentially tragic incident.

This is not the first such threat to NYSC members traveling to their service camps. In August 2023, eight corps members were kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Zamfara State while en route to camp, highlighting ongoing security challenges for young Nigerians participating in the national service program.