Troops of theMultinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have rescued 40 people that have been held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

The MNJTF spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the troops operated under Sector 3 in Monguno.

The hostages comprise eight men, eight women, and 24 children, while a key terrorist logistics syndicate was disrupted during the operation.

?The troops during an intensified clearance operation in the Kukawa Local Government Area and Baga Axis, intercepted a group of Boko Haram terrorists transporting a large number of hostages,? the statement read.

?The terrorists fled upon encounteringthe troops, leaving behind the hostages, who were promptly rescued. Among the rescued persons include 8 men, 8 women, and 24 children.

?Preliminary investigation suggests that the hostages were being transported from a Boko Haram enclave in Dogon Chikwu, which has become increasingly untenable due to intense MNJTF operational activitypressure. The troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists, who may be holding additional hostages,? he added. (Channels)