The Nigerian Army has begun efforts to rescue persons abducted by terrorists in the Dekara district of the Borgu council area of Niger.

An operational report said troops had been deployed to the area following the abduction of several residents on Friday.

The report said that Dekara, located along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border, is one of the communities on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park.

It said the area was also regarded as a difficult-to-reach terrain, reportedly used as a mobility corridor by terrorists operating within the park forest.

The report said the army had previously directed troop deployment to Dekara to establish a blocking position ahead of a planned clearance operation in the park.

It said some newly inducted troops from another axis were being prepared for the clearance operation aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the forest.

“However, while the troops were moving towards the community on Friday, the terrorists launched an attack on the village and abducted several persons.

“The terrorists also killed some residents before troops eventually arrived at the community later that day and took up positions.

“The terrorists subsequently attacked the deployed troops but were repelled by the soldiers. No casualties were recorded on our side, while one AK-47 rifle and other items were recovered from the terrorists,” the report said.

The army said it was yet to ascertain the exact number of persons abducted or killed during the attack, as some residents fled into the neighbouring Benin Republic before the troops arrived.

It said efforts were ongoing to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons and determine the full extent of the attack.

The army assured that updates on the rescue operation and other developments would be communicated as they emerged. 

(NAN)