By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation founded by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has commended the 135 Special Forces battalion for the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims in Borno State. News Express earlier reported that 86 kidnapped victims, on Thursday, had been rescued by the terrorists, with 29 terrorists apprehended.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Danfulani, the foundation has praised the development, describing it as "heroic" and monumental. The Foundation attributed the rescue to the squad's professionalism and the sagacious leadership of Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, the Commanding Officer of the operation.

"The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation writes to commend the exceptional gallantry and professionalism displayed by the officers and men of the 135 Special Forces Battalion Forward Operating Base, Buratai, Borno State, in the successful counter-insurgency operations of 9 November 2025.

"The unit?s swift and coordinated response to the terrorist attack at Dutsen Kura, their decisive pursuit to Mangari, and their ability to overpower an enemy ambush underscore a high level of combat readiness and courage. The heroic rescue of 86 kidnapped victims is a monumental humanitarian achievement that deserves the highest praise."

They identified Colonel Abdullahi's leadership in leading the Quick Reaction Force as outstanding and pivotal.

"The personal leadership of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, was pivotal. His gallantry in leading the Quick Reaction Force from the front, his tactical brilliance in neutralizing an ambush, and his relentless pursuit directly forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and assets. This is leadership of the finest order."

The foundation also praised the arrest of 29 terrorists during the operation, attributing the achievements to the standards of the Nigerian Army. They also congratulated the Chief of Army Staff, Gen W. Shuaibu NAM, expressing hope in continued successful operations.

"In a related operation, which interdicted a major logistics network and arrested 29 suppliers in Mangada, demonstrates excellent intelligence utilization and a strategic blow to the terrorists' capabilities.

"The synergy and commitment shown in these twin operations are a testament to the standards of training and esprit de corps in the Nigerian Army. The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation and its grand patron Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai Rtd CFR convey their profound gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen W Shuaibu NAM, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi and his gallant troops. Their success is a classic model of effective counter-insurgency.

"The foundation is confident that such victories will continue under the CDS and the COAS strategic guidance."

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