Army Rescues Over 1,000 Boko Haram Captives

The Nigerian Army says troops of 22 Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole has rescued more than 1,000 persons held hostage by Boko Haram insurgents in in some villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

This was disclosed in a statement by Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, on Monday, in Maiduguri.

Chukwu said the rescue operation was conducted in conjunction with allies of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

He said the hostages were mainly women, children and young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters.

The Army director listed the villages to include Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

He however failed to list the period the operations were carried out.

The statement read: “The operation which was conducted in conjunction with allies of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), rescued the hostages from Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

“The hostages consisted mainly of women, children as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters.

“Speaking with one of the rescued victims, Alhaji Gambo Gulumba from Amchaka village, thanked the Nigerian military for showing them love and care.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to remind the public of its resolve to rout out Boko Haram and rescued all hostages.

“The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authority for prompt action.

“However, the rescued persons are being attended to in a military medical facility.”