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Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army says its soldiers on counter-insurgency operations, in the North East, have rescued 148 persons held hostage by the Boko Haram terrorists group.
The hostages, according to a statement by Deputy Director, Public Relations in charge of Theatre Command, Operation LAFOYA DOLE, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, comprises 15 men, 58 women and 75 children.
They were said to have been rescued during a joint operation carried out by troops of 21 Brigade and the Civilian Joint Task Force in Modu Kinetic, a remote village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Before they were rescued 58 women who were said to have being used as sex slaves by the terrorists.
The statement reads, “Troops of 21 Brigade supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole to conduct Counter terrorism and Counter insurgency operations in the North East have rescued 148 civilians held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists in Modu Kinetic, a remote village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The troops rescued the hostages during an extensive Clearance Operation on Sunday 3rd June 2018, to rid the general area of Bama, Modu Kimeri and Gulumba Gana of fleeing elements of Boko Haram terrorists who had escaped from the ongoing troops’ onslaught in the Lake Chad Islands and fringes of the northern borders of Borno State.
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“The rescued hostages, comprising 15 men, 58 Women and 75 Children revealed during a joint profiling and interrogations by troops of operation LAFIYA DOLE and other security agencies, that the Boko Haram terrorists had sexually-violated the females and used them as sex slaves.
“Two pregnant teenage girls are among the rescued persons. The rescued persons further disclosed that the men were not spared, as they were regularly engaged in forced labour while in the captivity of the terrorists.
“They will be promptly handed over to officials of Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp for welfare and administration.
” The troops have also successfully cleared adjoining villages including China, Sabon Gari-1, Sabon Gari-2, Sabon Gari-3 and Sabon Gari-4 villages. Other areas cleared by troops along the axis of operation are Nguzoduwa, Falla, Bulangala, Botori and Bula Matawa villages.
“Additionally, troops recovered 22 Dane guns, one tool box used for fabricating local fire arms, four Boko Haram flags, a motorcycle and one bow and 20 arrows.
“The gallant troops remain resilient and are carrying out further exploitation.”
