RESCUES 12 ABDUCTED TEENAGE GIRLS IN ASKIRA/UBA, BORNO STATE
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully thwarted a planned midnight attack on Chibok communities in Borno State and another development successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State. The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands and were freed on Saturday, 29 November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis, the Nigerian Army said.
According to the press release by the Nigerian Army on the respelled attack in Chibok which involved over 300 terrorists from multiple fronts, began at about 0250 hours (2:50 a.m.) Saturday and was decisively defeated through swift intelligence, tactical manoeuvre and superior firepower by troops of 28 Task Force Brigade.
The troops, who were on alert, detected early enemy movement, enabling them to quickly assume battle positions and engage the terrorists from multiple fronts. The fierce firefight lasted for over two hours, during which the gallant soldiers held their ground firmly and prevented the terrorists from breaching the security of the adjoining towns.
The terrorists, on observing the break of day, started a disorderly withdrawal towards the Azir axis into the Sambisa Forest, attempting to cross the Main Supply Route Damboa–Biu. In response, 25 Brigade was tasked to occupy pre-designated ambush positions ahead of Azir Bridge to cut off and neutralize the fleeing terrorists, with guidance provided by a Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI deployed a Super Tucano aircraft and as the advancing interdiction forces closed in, the terrorists dispersed. Troops subsequently disrupted their withdrawal. No personnel or equipment was lost, underscoring the high level of combat readiness, professionalism and resilience displayed by the forces involved.
The rescued girls have been evacuated to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing. Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families. Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction.
The rescued victims include Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
The military high command commended the doggedness of the troops for their swift response and acknowledged the crucial support of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely information enabled the successful rescue. Troops continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and safeguard civilians.
The Nigerian Army calls on communities to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting security.
While exploitation operations in and around Chibok remain ongoing, the Nigerian Army assures the public that concerted efforts are being intensified to track down escaping elements and deny them freedom of movement. The footage of the mass withdrawal of terrorists after the failed attack has been obtained and is being analyzed for further operational action.
The Nigerian Army reaffirms its relentless commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
The prolonged war against Terrorists since 2009 has claimed many lives and cost Nigerian State fortune. The Christians have been the primary targets of terrorism in Nigeria.
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