Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army said its soldiers on counter insurgency operations in Borno State have rescued one thousand hostages held captive by the Boko Haram terrorists in the northeastern state.
The soldiers, working in conjunction with their counterparts from Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), were said to have rescued the hostages at Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, said the hostages are made up of mostly women, children and young men who claimed to have been forced to become Boko Haram fighters.
Chukwu, who made this known in a statement issued in Abuja, said the rescued persons are currently undergoing medical treatment in a military medical facility.
Chukwu in the statement said:
“Troops of 22 Brigade deployed in operation LAFIYA DOLE has rescued over 1000 hostages from the Boko Haram Terrorists enclave.
“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.”