Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members stranded along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.
The incident, as made known by the army, occurred at about 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after the corps members’ vehicles broke down near a forested area reportedly used as a Boko Haram crossing point.
Military officials said CCTV surveillance detected unusual movement involving three buses, prompting the immediate deployment of a patrol team to the scene.
Upon arrival, troops discovered 36 male and 38 female corps members whose vehicles had developed mechanical faults. The soldiers secured the area and evacuated all occupants, averting what authorities described as a potential abduction attempt by terrorists operating in the axis.
Preliminary findings showed that the corps members had earlier been escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of the 7 Division Garrison. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without informing Sector 2 Headquarters or securing an armed escort.
The corps members have since been moved to the Buratai Military Base, where they are being accommodated pending arrangements for their safe onward movement.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens and maintaining a strong security presence across the North East. It also urged members of the public to continue cooperating with security forces working tirelessly to ensure peace in the region.