Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), working alongside local forest guards, have successfully rescued seven people abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Borno State. The rescue followed a confrontation at a forest hideout after the victims were taken while gathering firewood near Ajiri Camp, on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development on Wednesday, explaining that the abduction occurred on January 19. According to reports, the attackers took the victims deep into the forest, but two of them later escaped and returned to Ajiri Camp to raise alarm. The abductors allegedly sent one of the boys back with a ransom demand of ₦20 million.

Acting on the intelligence, forest guards coordinated with the DSS and moved into the area. The operatives reportedly advanced quietly on foot to avoid detection before confronting the armed group. The pressure forced the attackers to flee, leaving the captives behind. All seven victims were rescued safely and are now receiving care and profiling from relevant authorities.

The Commander of the Forest Guards, Hassan Modu, credited the success of the operation to timely intelligence and effective collaboration with the DSS. He encouraged residents to continue sharing useful information with security agencies, noting that the forest guards operate as a community-based security outfit trained and supervised by the DSS to support counter-insurgency efforts in the state.