The Nigerian Army on Sunday said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, have rescued 211 people, who were held hostage by suspected Boko Haram elements.
Nigerian Troops
The Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Sani Usman, who made the disclosure in a statement, said a suspected insurgent was killed during the operation.
Usman said: “Following reported sighting of Boko Haram terrorists scavenging in some villages in northern Borno State, troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, Operation Lafiya Dole in conjunction with Civilian JTF, on Saturday embarked on fighting patrol to Cingal, Murye and Mala Maja villages and cleared them of the terrorists.
“During an encounter, the troops neutralised one Boko Haram terrorist and recovered 11 bicycles. The patrol team also rescued 211 civilians held captives by Boko Haram terrorists at Murye and Mala Maja village.
“In addition, the patrol team escorted 2 heavy duty trucks and 18 pick up vans to recover Internally Displaced Persons’ foodstuff from Mala Maja.”
According to the DAPR: “The rescued persons are currently being screened.”
Troops had rescued thousands of people held captive by Boko Haram fighters, as they prosecuted the counter-terrorism and counter-insrgency war in the North East.