The troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a total of 36 women and children from the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Tuesday that those rescued comprised 19 women and 19 children.
Usman said the captives were released by the troops of the 8 Task Force Division at Dumba Village.
According to him, the troops rescued the captives while commencing a new military operation code-named ‘Operation Hardknock’ designed to clear the insurgents from the borderline between Nigeria and Niger.
Usman said the troops killed six insurgents and recovered 22 motorcycles, flags and other items from the group.
He added that many of the members of the sect escaped with gunshot wounds.
“The troops of 8 Task Force Division have commenced an Operation code-named Operation Hardknock to clear pockets Boko Haram terrorists hiding in remote areas of northern Borno State, along the Nigeria-Niger border.
“As the operation progressed, troops have cleared pockets of insurgents from their hideouts in Momo and Tunshe villages around Marte general area Borno state.
“The troops have rescued 19 women and 19 children held hostage in Dumba village by the terrorists. During the rescue operation, the troops killed six Boko Haram insurgents while others fled with gunshot wounds leaving behind 22 motorcycles, flags and other items.” The statement read.
