Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued six abducted people, including two children, as search-and-rescue operations continue for students of the Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Borno State.

The development was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by Mohammed Goni, spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.

“Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), wishes to inform the public that troops have recorded another significant breakthrough in the ongoing search and rescue operation to recover the abducted students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.

“Following sustained air and ground exploitation supported by credible intelligence, troops successfully rescued six additional abducted persons comprising four adults and two infants at Talakawa in Chibok Local Government Area,” he said.

According to Mr Goni, the victims, who were abducted in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, in May, have been evacuated to a secure location, where they are undergoing medical evaluation and receiving appropriate care.

He said the troops also provided the rescued victims with relief materials and other basic necessities to ease the effects of their ordeal, while arrangements were being made to reunite them safely with their families.

“This latest success further demonstrates the effectiveness of the coordinated search and rescue efforts by Operation HADIN KAI and reinforces the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Borno State Government, security agencies, and auxiliary forces to the safe recovery of all abducted persons,” he added.

The military said troops remain in aggressive pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, maintaining pressure along their withdrawal routes and denying them freedom of movement.

Mr Goni said that during the operation, troops recovered 50 rounds of PKT ammunition abandoned by the insurgents.

“During the exploitation of the terrorists’ withdrawal axis, troops recovered 50 rounds of PKT ammunition abandoned by the insurgents, further highlighting the effectiveness of the sustained offensive and the disordered nature of the terrorists’ retreat under intense military pressure,” said Mr Goni.

He assured the public that search-and-rescue operations would continue with renewed vigour until every remaining victim is safely accounted for.