Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have averted a potential tragedy after rescuing 74 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were stranded along Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State, a route notorious for abductions by insurgents.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to counterinsurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday when the corps members comprising 36 men and 38 women were left vulnerable after their three buses broke down near a Boko Haram and ISWAP operational corridor.
The publication reported that the troops responded swiftly after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system detected unusual vehicle movement in the area.
The reports stated, “On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults.”
“The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area.”
Makama explained that the corps members had earlier been escorted by soldiers of the 7 Division Garrison from Maiduguri to Damaturu but continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without notifying Sector 2 headquarters or requesting an additional escort.
The rescued corps members have since been moved to the Buratai military base, where they are being sheltered pending arrangements for their safe onward movement.
The incident comes amid growing concerns about the safety of NYSC members traveling through insecure regions of the North-East.
