Troops Kill 5 Terrorists, Rescue 78 Hostages In Borno

Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army have killed five terrorists and rescued 78 hostages during clearance operations in Borno villages.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the troops in an aggressive clearance patrol on 22 March, 2024 successfully cleared six villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.

Nwachukwu named the enclaves and villages cleared by the troops as Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension.

Other areas also cleared include Yamanci and Gargaji general areas.

During the operations, the troops recovered one flag and a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists.

The Army spokesman said troops during the operation, came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle where the five were eliminated.

He added that the troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.

General Nwachukwu said the rescued victims were in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling, adding that troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents.