74 Corps Members Escape Terrorists Abduction In Borno [Photos]

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Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from what security sources described as a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

According to a report by counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama via his verified 𝕏 account on Thursday, the rescue occurred at about 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after military surveillance systems detected unusual activity involving three buses that had broken down near a notorious ambush zone.

“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 reported.

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Breakdown and Swift Response

Sources confirmed that the rescued corps members comprised 36 males and 38 females.

Further investigation revealed that the group had earlier travelled from Maiduguri to Damaturu under a military escort provided by the 7 Division Garrison. However, after arriving in Damaturu, they continued their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without notifying Sector 2 Headquarters, thereby missing the mandatory military escort for that route.

Makama added that the corps members were reportedly on an evangelical outreach mission to Hawul when their vehicles broke down.

“It was also gathered that the corps members were on an evangelical mission to Hawul when the incident occurred,” he stated.

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Troops Foil Potential Attack

Upon reaching the scene, the troops evacuated the corps members to the Buratai military base, where they are currently being housed pending fresh arrangements for their safe movement.

Security forces have since intensified patrols and surveillance along the Buratai–Kamuya axis, which has been a hotspot for insurgent ambushes and kidnappings in recent months.

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Renewed Concerns Over Safety Protocols

The incident has reignited public debate over safe travel arrangements for NYSC members serving in volatile areas of the North-East.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that corps members and humanitarian workers travelling outside approved escort schedules expose themselves to significant risks.

Military sources emphasised that strict compliance with escort protocols remains essential in regions where insurgent groups continue to operate.