By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Troops of Operation Desert Sanity IV and Lake Sanity III have neutralized four ISWAP terrorists and rescued two kidnapped victims during a clearance patrol in Gajiram general area of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounter occurred at about 2:35 p.m. on Thursday along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna road.

The source said the troops, comprising 16 soldiers and eight members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on ten motorcycles, came under attack by the terrorists at Zundur general area, where they engaged in a fierce gun battle.

He said four terrorists were neutralized in the firefight, while others fled into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.

“During the operation, the troops rescued two kidnapped victims identified as Mr. Modu Kinnami, 55, and Mr. Bukar, 57, both residents of Guzamala Local Government Area.

“The rescued victims revealed during preliminary investigation that the terrorists had demanded a ransom of N2 million and two new Tecno button phones for the release of their brother,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene include a blue pickup vehicle with registration number GUB 327 XA, two new Tecno button phones, a jerrycan containing 30 litres of petrol, and a total sum of N4,355,000.

According to the source, the general security situation in the area remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency are described as satisfactory. (Zagazola)