In continuing operations in the fight against insurgents in the North east, the Nigerian Army says that its troops have rescued 195 people held hostage and discovered and destroyed a market in Gulumba, Borno State operated by the Boko Haram sect.

The operations, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Army spokesman, Sani Usman Kukasheka, a Colonel, were carried out in villages in Dikwa and Bama local government areas of Borno State.

“The Nigerian troops of 7 Division Garrison comprising 112 Battalion and Armed Forces Special Forces yesterday carried out a  joint clearance  patrol on suspected Boko Haram terrorists locations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State,” he stated.

Several of the insurgents were killed by Nigerian soldiers in the operations in the last few days.

The Army spokesman said that while 195 people were rescued from the insurgents in the operations, troops also recovered 300 cows, 200 sheep and 130 goats from them.

Also recovered were two logistic trucks, 180 motorcycles, 750 bicycles, a 100 KVA Mikano generator, grinding machine, uniforms as well as rifle magazines and grenades.

Kukasheka said that the troops discovered a Boko Haram camp, patent medicine outfit and major market at Gulumba and that the success of the operations was partly due to support and cooperation offered by the public

While expressing appreciation to citizens who provide intelligence to the military, Kukasheka urged all Nigerians to see the fight against Boko Haram terrorists “as a collective responsibility to enable us clear the remnants of the insurgents in the north east and other parts of the country.”