Terrorist Abduction Foiled: Borno Councillor, Scholar Rescued by Troops, Search for Five Other Victims Continues (Photos)

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued a councillor and an Islamic scholar abducted by terrorists along the Buni Gari–Buratai road in Borno State. The operation, part of Operation Hadin Kai, involved the 27 Task Force Brigade, 135 Special Forces Battalion, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The abduction occurred on Tuesday around 5:00 p.m., when seven civilians were kidnapped along the road. Security forces launched a search-and-rescue mission the following morning at approximately 7:35 a.m. By 11:35 a.m., troops located two of the victims, who had been abandoned by the terrorists near Mangari village upon sensing the military presence.

The rescued individuals were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam in Borno State. The military immediately secured their release and pursued the fleeing terrorists for over five kilometres, but no contact was made.

The rescued victims revealed that five other civilians, including former and current Vice Chairmen of Biu Local Government Area and three women, remain in captivity. Security forces are continuing efforts to locate and rescue them.

Following the operation, the rescued councillor and scholar received medical attention before being taken to Biu, where they were reunited with their families.