By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have killed nine suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from a failed abduction attempt in Borno State.

The military confirmed that the terrorists were neutralised during an encounter at Yanaga Ari in Mafa Local Government Area. Troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, several rounds of ammunition, and other logistics items from the scene.

In a separate incident, 74 NYSC members—36 males and 38 females—were rescued while en route to a Christian evangelism mission in Hawul Local Government Area. Their vehicles reportedly broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area at night.

The swift deployment of a military patrol, guided by closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, thwarted the abduction attempt. The rescued corps members are currently being accommodated at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Institute pending safe relocation arrangements.

The military noted that this latest rescue follows a similar operation last week, when 89 motorists and passengers were freed at the same location, and 29 suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the JTF, praised the troops’ “gallantry and proactiveness” and reiterated the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to sustain pressure on terrorist groups across the North East.

“The Military High Command commends the troops for their impressive gallantry and urges them to remain focused, vigilant, and committed to restoring lasting peace in the North East Region,” the statement said.

The public has been urged to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the Armed Forces in ongoing counterterrorism operations.