Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), working with forest guards, have rescued seven abducted persons from an ISWAP hideout in Borno State after a gun battle inside a forest enclave.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed that the victims were abducted on January 19 while gathering firewood near Ajiri Camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri. The attackers reportedly took them deep into the forest, where two victims later escaped to raise the alarm.
Sources said the terrorists sent one of the captives back on a bicycle to demand a ₦20 million ransom. Acting on timely intelligence, DSS operatives and forest guards mobilised, trekked for about an hour to avoid detection, and engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The operation forced the ISWAP elements to flee, abandoning their captives. The rescued victims were freed unhurt and are receiving support. Authorities urged residents to continue sharing credible intelligence.
#BornoSecurity #DSSNigeria #ISWAP #CounterTerrorism #NigeriaSecurity #Maiduguri
