Troops rescue 74 NYSC members from possible abduction by terrorists in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the corps members, 36 males and 38 females, were rescued at about 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.

A military patrol team was swiftly deployed to the scene after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by troops detected suspicious movement involving three buses at the location.

“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,” a military source said.

The source further revealed that the corps members were initially escorted from Maiduguri to Damaturu by troops of 7 Division Garrison.

However, after arriving in Damaturu, they reportedly failed to inform Sector 2 Headquarters before proceeding on their journey to Hawul Local Government Area without an armed escort.

The rescued NYSC members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base pending further arrangements for their safe movement.