December 19, 2025
By SUNTV Global Channel | News
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued a serving councillor and a prominent Islamic cleric who were abducted by terrorists along the dangerous Buni Gari–Buratai road in Borno State.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the rescue operation was carried out by soldiers of the 27 Task Force Brigade, in collaboration with the 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), following actionable intelligence and sustained military pressure on the kidnappers.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Ma’ikachi, a councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, a respected Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam, Borno State.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared video evidence of the rescued victims, the abduction occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, when seven civilians were kidnapped while travelling along the insurgency-prone route. Troops swiftly launched a search-and-rescue operation at about 7:35 a.m. on Wednesday.
A military source revealed that sustained troop movement and pressure forced the terrorists to abandon two of their captives while fleeing.
“At about 11:35 a.m., troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims who were abandoned by the terrorists upon sensing the advance of soldiers towards their hideout ahead of Mangari village,” the source disclosed.
Speaking after his rescue, Councillor Muhammad Ali Ma’ikachi expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army, describing his freedom as the result of divine intervention and the swift response of the troops.
“When the Nigerian Army heard about our abduction, they came and confronted the terrorists. They returned and rescued us. May Almighty Allah protect them and continue to give them victory over terrorists,” he said.
The rescued cleric, Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, also praised the military for what he described as a timely and courageous intervention that saved their lives.
Meanwhile, SUNTV Global Channel gathered that troops have intensified operations in the area, as efforts continue to track down the fleeing terrorists and secure the release of the five remaining abducted civilians.
Security authorities have assured residents that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safe return of all captives and restoring confidence along the troubled axis.
