78 persons have been rescued by gallant troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army as they continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterpart in North East Nigeria.
According to the statement released by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu the Director of Army Public Relations on Saturday 23rd March 2024, stated that troops in an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, 22 March 2024, by a Combat Team (CT) of the Division, successfully cleared 6 villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.
During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating 5 of the terrorists. The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.
The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas. Items recovered are one terrorists’ flag, a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists. 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 Northeast of terrorists and insurgents.