Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were stranded along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday when the corps members’ buses broke down near a forested area notorious for insurgent activities, commonly referred to as a Boko Haram crossing point.

According to a statement released by Nigerian Army on Thursday, the troops detected unusual movement involving three buses through a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system and immediately dispatched a patrol team to the location.

Upon arrival, the troops found 74 corps members 36 males and 38 females stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The soldiers quickly secured the area and evacuated the corps members, averting a potential abduction attempt by terrorists operating within the axis.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the corps members had earlier been escorted by troops of the 7 Division Garrison from Maiduguri to Damaturu.

However, they reportedly proceeded to Hawul Local Government Area without notifying Sector 2 Headquarters or requesting an armed escort from security agencies.

The rescued corps members were safely evacuated to the Buratai Military Base, where they are currently being accommodated pending further arrangements for their safe transportation to their destinations.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens, pledging to sustain its robust security presence across operational theatres to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting peace in the North East.

The Army also urged the public to continue cooperating with troops who remain steadfast in their efforts to safeguard lives and maintain national security.