By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 12 kidnap victims during a coordinated clearance operation in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno, a military source said.

The source said the victims, comprising seven women and five children, were abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Nov. 14 along the Gwoza–Limankara road.

He said the victims were freed after troops overwhelmed the insurgents in a pre-dawn offensive on Monday.

According to him, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade, 192 Battalion, operatives of the Brigade Garrison, and supporting Hybrid Forces, hunters and vigilantes advanced along the foot of the Mandara Mountains up to Uvaha, engaging the terrorists with superior firepower.

He said the insurgents, reportedly unable to withstand the volume of fire, abandoned the captives and fled.

“The victims, who initially scattered into nearby bushes for safety during the exchange of fire, emerged around 8:45 a.m. and were evacuated to safety by the troops.

“The women were identified as Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa and Hadiza Hamman.

“They told troops that the terrorists escaped during the intense firefight, leaving them behind.

“The rescued women and children were taken to the brigade field ambulance for medical attention. Many suffered blisters from long trekking and reported being severely beaten while in captivity.

“After receiving care and being served meals, the victims were handed over to the representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area, for reunification with their families.

The source said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) had commended the troops and urged them to sustain offensives against the terrorists across all theatres. (NAN)