Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully rescued a serving councillor and an Islamic cleric who were abducted in Borno State.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared on X that the victims were kidnapped along the Buni Gari–Buratai road on Tuesday evening, along with five other civilians, while traveling.
The rescue operation was launched early Wednesday by the 27 Task Force Brigade, in coordination with the 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), after receiving intelligence on the abduction. During the operation, the troops found two of the kidnapped individuals abandoned near Mangari village, as the abductors fled upon realizing security forces were closing in.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, councillor for Zera/Wuyep Ward, Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam, Borno State.
While the military pursued the fleeing terrorists for several kilometers, no further contact was made. Reports indicate that five other civilians, including the immediate past and current vice chairmen of Biu Local Government Area and three women, are still being held captive.
The rescued victims received medical attention before being reunited with their families in Biu. Security forces continue efforts to locate and free those still in captivity.
