Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army on Friday, 22 March 2024 rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.
Director Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement issued Saturday said during the operation, the combat team came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating 5 of the terrorists.
He added: “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.
“The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.”
Nwachukwu said the enclaves and villages cleared by the troops include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension.
He noted that other areas also cleared wer: Yamanci and Gargaji general areas.
Nwachukwu said Items recovered are one terrorists’ flag, a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists.
He stressed that 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.