Oil workers kidnapped by Boko Haram freed by soldiers

NOT less than 7 people kidnapped by Boko Haram on Tuesday have regained their freedom, military official said.

The oil explorers, which were part of exploring team in the Lake Chad basin, and hired by NNPC were kidnapped by the insurgent group with their security aides

Report reaching journalists in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital suggest that at least seven of the abducted persons including members of the NNPC exploration crew were freed after a rescue-mission embarked upon by a joint force of soldiers and local security personnel.

The council chairman of Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, Zanna Modu, informed journalists via a phone interview that the rescue was effected on Wednesday after a heated gun battle between soldiers and members of the terror group.

Mr. Modu said of the abducted persons, the troops were able to rescue four Civilian-JTF members, two NNPC personnel and a staff of the University of Maiduguri.

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The NNPC had said that it subcontracted part of the exploration to the Geology department of the University of Maiduguri.

The chairman said a large number of Boko Haram fighters were killed during the shootout.

He added that some vehicles belonging to the NNPC were also recovered.

It is not yet clear if any of the abducted oil workers or their security aides still remain with the Boko Haram.

Details to come….