The Nigerian Army has rescued 54 persons kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State in northern Nigeria.
In a statement on Monday, Col. Sagir Musa, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said the victims comprising 29 women and 25 children were freed after troops cleared Ma’allasuwa and Yaa-Munye villages in the state.
Musa explained that the terrorists fled the onslaught of the troops and abandoned the victims.
He also said that the troops on clearance operation in Damasak general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, destroyed two Boko Haram logistics vehicles and make shift camp.
In another development, Musa disclosed that a Mobile policeman, Sgt. Markus John, with number PNo 383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri-Damaturu road, while on transit to Lagos.
He said that at the time of the arrest, John was in possession of two magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one round of anti-aircraft gun concealed in his bag.
On May 10, Musa said the army in conjunction with the police, Pte Paul Ojochegbe (14NA7113208) and Lance Cpl. Oko Eke (12NA672586) were also arrested at the Njimtilo check point.
He alleged that they were in possession of one disassembled AK 47 Rifle.
Musa restated the army’s appeal to the public to continue to provide useful information about suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they were seen hibernating in the country.
MM/GIK/APA