Abducted Oil Workers Rescued From Boko Haram

No fewer than 10 workers contracted by Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and security escorts who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists have been rescued.

Recall that the oil workers were abducted during an oil exploration mission at the Lake Chad Basin on Tuesday.

They were abducted at the remote village of Eshu in Magumeri local government area at about 9:15 a.m despite the Nigerian Army troops escorting them.

Upon hearing of their abduction, the military, along with members of the Civilian JTF, immediately swung into action on Tuesday.

The rescue team was led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier Gen. Aminu Chinide and leader of the Civilian JTF in Gubio, Bulama Bukar Maradona.

A statement by the army on Wednesday said that it had rescued all 10 NNPC contractors kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

The Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who made this known, said that although the rescue was successful, the Army lost nine personnel in operation.

He said that the bodies of an officer, eight soldiers and a civilian who died in the incident had been recovered and evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

Usman said: “On receipt of the information on the ambush, the Brigade mobilised and sent reinforcement, a search and rescue party that included the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night.

“So far, they have rescued all the NNPC contractors and recovered the corpses of the officer, eight soldiers and a civilian who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

“The team recovered four vehicles, one of which included a gun truck mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, two white Hilux vans taken away from NNPC contractors and one blue Hilux van belonging to Civilian JTF.

“The team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans containing petroleum, oil and lubricant, assorted drugs, improvised explosive device-making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others.

“The team also neutralised many of the terrorists.”

Similarly, the Caretaker Chairman of Gubio LGA, Hon. Zanna Modu, said the rescue team was able to recover several arms and ammunition and four vehicles belonging to the victims, which were snatched by the insurgents.

He said: “I am happy to inform you that when the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs gave me a directive yesterday (Tuesday), immediately after the incident, we swung into action by supporting our gallant troops and members of the Civilian JTF who jointly mobilised and pursued these terrorists.

“Although the incident took place in Bornoyesu village of Magumeri Local Government Area, following an intelligence report and gathering, the joint security operatives, with support from Gubio council area and members of the public, were able to apprehend, kill and overwhelm the fleeing insurgents around Jilli village.

“Already, the recovered vehicles, arms and ammunition, including some of the rescued victims have been brought into one of the security formations under 5 Brigade, even the driver of one of the recovered vehicles has since returned to Maiduguri this morning (Wednesday) to reunite with his loved ones, and we are expecting the safe return of more victims who escaped from the incident.”