Troops rescue 11,595 hostages in February, March

The Nigerian Army says troops fighting insurgency in the North-East have rescued 11,595 persons held hostage by Boko Haram insurgents between Feb. 26, and end of March.

A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said the hostages were rescued during clearance operations conducted by troops in different locations in the North-East.

According to Usman, on March 1, troops of 155 Task Force Battalion received 10,000 hostages from the Republic of Cameroon at Banki and Bama axis.

He added that 63 persons held captives by the terrorists at Maleri were also rescued two days later by Army Headquarters Special Forces (AHQ SF) Battalion.

Usman said on March 5, the same unit rescued 779 persons at Fotokol general area, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon.

He noted that 45 persons were released from Boko Haram captivity in Kuaguru by troops of 254 Task Force Battalion in the first week of March.

Usman said troops of 143 Battalion also rescued 27 persons at Gadayamo; 15 at Galadadani Dam in Madagali and 10 persons from Disa Village.

On March 11, Usman said troops of 231 Battalion and Armed Forces Strike Force (AFSF) rescued seven persons comprising five elderly women and two young girls at Betso Village.

According to the statement, troops of 117 Task Force Battalion received 14 hostages from Sahuda, a border town with Cameroon on March 15.

Usman said the same battalion rescued 59 Boko Haram hostages at Bitta general area on March 19.

He said troops of 22 Brigade in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) also rescued 309 hostages from Kala Balge general area on March 23.

On March 30, Usman said that troops of 25 Task Force Brigade rescued 45 men; 85 women and 137 children from Boko Haram insurgents at Zahdra and Weige villages.

Usman said more persons were expected to be released from captivity as the troops continued with clearance and mop-up operations in the region.