Army speaks on Saturday abduction

The Nigerian Army has debunked news of abduction on the Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway on December 11.

In a statement by Col. Ado Isa, Deputy Director Public Relations 7 Division/Joint Task Force (Northeast) of Operation Hadin Kai, on Saturday, the Army said the news was unfounded.

There were media reports on Saturday that ISWAP terrorists kidnapped travellers on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.

“The attention of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has been drawn to a series of unsubstantiated reports making the rounds on social media on December 11,” the statement reads.

“Some newspapers also published the purported abduction of Maiduguri-bound travelers by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Mainok and Borgozo in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno.

“The rumor is false and misleading and had the intention to smear the glaring good efforts and achievements of OPHK.

“The fact is that members of the terrorist group emerged through the Dole/Bari villages in some vehicles with the intent to mount snap roadblocks to cause havoc and apprehension in the hearts of villagers and commuters,” he said.

According to Col. Isa, troops on mobile patrol within the general area foiled the attempt, and there was no abduction of any commuter on Saturday.

He added that it was the imagination of mischief makers who weren’t happy that peace was gradually returning to the Northeast.

Col. Isa reiterated the task force’s commitment to ensure safety along the busy road and make it safer for travelers.