Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigerian Army said its troops have neutralized five terrorists, rescued 35 women and 43 children making a total of 78 persons in the counter-insurgency war in the northeastern part of the country.
Director Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made this known, gave the list of the rescued hostages as 35 women and 43 children.
He said the hostages were set free during an aggressive clearance patrol conducted by the troops in six villages where the terrorists were said to be hiding with their hostages.
“Gallant troops of 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, comprising 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 terrorists’ flag, 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 North East of terrorists and insurgents”, the statement said.