The Nigerian Army have freed the staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, who were kidnapped on Tuesday.

The NNPC staff were kidnapped on Tuesday at about 3pm by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

The terrorists had ambushed the escort and team of the NNPC staff returning from oil exploration at Barno Yasu, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

Brigadier General Sani Usman, spokesman of the Nigerian Army,said the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Borno State mobilised and sent reinforcement, search and rescue party that included the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night.

Usman added in the statement: “So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the officer, eight soldiers and a civilian, who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

“The team recovered four vehicles, one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, 2 white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and 1 blue Hilux belonging to CJTF.

“They team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans of containing Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant, assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others. The team also neutralized many of the terrorists.
“The troops are not relenting in the pursuit, search and rescue effort,” Usman said.