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10 dead as Nigerian Army frees 10 kidnapped NNPC staff in Borno

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High ranking wanted Boko Haram member surrenders to Nigerian Army
Nigerian Army on Wednesday disclosed that it has rescued the 10 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) staff abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

It however said that nine soldiers and a civilian died in the confrontation that ensued between the soldiers and the abductors in the efforts to rescue the NNPC staff.

A statement released by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, on Wednesday, said the event happened on Tuesday.

According to him, the bodies of an officer, eight soldiers and a civilian, who were killed during the process had been recovered and evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

A group of assailants suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists had ambushed the escort and team of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) returning from oil exploration at Barno Yasu, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno on Tuesday, and kidnapped 10 of them.

But Usman said that “on receipt of the information, the Brigade mobilised and sent reinforcement, search and rescue party that include the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night.

“So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the Officer, eight soldiers and a civilian who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

Read also : After suspected BH attack, several NNPC, C’JTF personnel feared dead (updated)

“The team recovered 4 vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and one blue Hilux belonging to CJTF.

“The team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans containing Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant, assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others.

“The team also neutralised many of the terrorists.”

Boko Haram has despite reports of its drastic decimation and surrender of its members, continued to carry out deadly attacks in the North East especially in Borno State.

Ebere Ndukwu …

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