The Nigerian Army has has rescued 1,000 hostages held captive by the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno state.
The soldiers, working in conjunction with their counterparts from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), were said to have rescued the hostages at Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, said the hostages were made up of mostly women, children and young men who claimed to have been forced to become Boko Haram fighters.
Chukwu, who made this known in a statement issued in Abuja, said the rescued persons are currently undergoing medical treatment in a military medical facility.
Chukwu, in the statement, said: “Troops of 22 Brigade deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole rescued over 1,000 hostages from the Boko Haram terrorists’ enclave. The operation, which was conducted in conjunction with allies of the MNJTF, rescued the hostages from Malamkari, Amchaka, Walasa and Gora villages of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The hostages consisted mainly of women, children as well as some young men who were forced to become Boko Haram fighters. The Nigerian Army wishes to remind the public of its resolve to root out Boko Haram and rescue all hostages.
“The public is also advised to report any suspicious character to the appropriate authorities for prompt action. However, the rescued persons are being attended to in a military medical facility.”
One of the rescued victims, Alhaji Gambo Gulumba, from Amchaka village, thanked the Nigerian military for showing them love and care.
