Borno troops rescue abducted councillor and Islamic scholar
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued an abducted councillor and an Islamic scholar in Borno State as the military continues the search for five other captives taken by suspected terrorists along a volatile highway. The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a serving councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar who were seized during a broader abduction incident that shocked local communities earlier this week. The two men were found and freed by soldiers operating under Operation Hadin Kai, the ongoing counter‑terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North‑East.
After their rescue, the rescued councillor and scholar were taken to a medical reception station for urgent treatment before being reunited with family members in Biu. The swift military action followed credible intelligence pointing to the abductees’ location and was part of a rapid search‑and‑rescue mission launched soon after the attack. While the two men have been safely freed, security forces remain engaged in efforts to locate and secure the release of five other individuals believed to still be in the hands of their captors.
The initial abduction occurred along the Buni Gari–Buratai road, a stretch long troubled by insurgent activity and frequent kidnappings by extremist groups targeting travellers, government officials, and community leaders. The incident heightened concerns over security in Borno State and prompted intensified patrols and operations by Nigerian military forces. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling the networks responsible and bringing all missing persons home safely.
About the Author
