Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 3 in Mongunu have rescued 38 hostages and intercepted three terrorists in vehicles, disrupting a vital terrorist logistics syndicate in Borno State.
A statement by the Chief Military Information Officer, Lt-Col Olaniyi Osoba, said troops, during the clearance operation in the Kukawa local government area and Baga Axis, intercepted a group of Boko Haram terrorists transporting a large number of hostages.
He said the terrorists fled upon encountering the troops, leaving behind the hostages, who were promptly rescued, comprising eight men, eight women, and 24 children.
He said preliminary investigation suggests that the hostages were being transported from a Boko Haram enclave in Dogon Chikwu, which has become increasingly untenable due to intense MNJTF operational activity pressure.
The statement said troops were pursuing the fleeing terrorists, who may be holding additional hostages.
In another operation, troops intercepted a Boko Haram logistics syndicate operating in the Gubio general area transporting various supplies in three vehicles to terrorist enclaves.
He said the arrested suspects, Mustapha Muhamadu, Abdullahi Muhammed, and Usman Bintumi, were found to possess a significant quantity of food items, clothing, medical supplies, and other essential goods.
