The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that it had
rescued additional 801 persons held hostage by the
Boko Haram terrorists in its ongoing anti-terrorism
operations.

Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, Theatre Commander,
Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East made the
announcement while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said that the persons were rescued between Nov.
23 and date.
“A total of 801 persons were rescued from the
terrorists’ camps from Nov. 23 to date,” he said.
Irabor said that the military had also arrested a
number of terrorists fleeing their Sambisa forest
hideout due to the ongoing operation.
“Likewise, on Dec. 4 at about 1345hrs, our troops in
conjunction with local vigilante intercepted five men,
29 women and children heading towards Goniri from
Kafa.

“The men were screened by the local vigilante and
two of them were confirmed to be terrorists.
“They have since been taken into custody and are
undergoing interrogation,’’ he said, adding that the
military also apprehended suspected cattle rustlers
during its operations.
“On Nov. 28, four persons and a teenager were
arrested by our troops deployed at Bulabulim
Ngarnam with 4 cows.
“The arrested persons have been handed over to the
Nigeria Police,” he said.
Irabor said that the military also recovered arms
from suspected kidnappers in Bauchi state.
“On Dec. 2, our troops while on patrol at the general
area of Gamji and Kafin Lemu villages in Ningi LGA of
Bauchi state encountered some suspected
kidnappers who engaged them in gun battle.
“They were killed in the gun battle that ensued.
“The troops recovered several arms and ammunition
which include five Dane guns, a locally made pistol,
some cartridges and charms,” he said.