BREAKING: Jubilation As ISWAP Releases UN Staff, Nine Others

The Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) has released as a staff of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Abubakar Garba Idris, and nine others.

Naija News learned that UN staff was abducted by the insurgents on Maiduguri/Damaturu highway over five months of hostage.

Recall that the insurgents attacked a convoy of travellers close to Matari village between Mainok to Jakana along Maiduguri/Damaturu highway where Idris was abducted at about 8.30 am Saturday, January 2, 2021.

The insurgents were alleged to have dressed in military uniforms mounted a roadblock on the highway with three Hilux vans and motorcycles.

It was revealed that Idris got into trouble when he tried to throw away his Identification card and he was sighted by one of the insurgents and kidnapped.

This platform understands that Idris is currently undergoing medical and military checks with troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri before he would be released to his family.

Also, a businessman Muazu Bawa who was also kidnapped on that same day was also released along with eight other captives.

It was learned that Bawa was in his private vehicle and he refused to stop and ran over the Boko Haram checkpoint but his car was shot from behind and the insurgents came and whisked him away on that same fateful day.

The Executive Director of Yobe State Network of Civil Society, Abubakar Baba Shehu who also confirmed the release said, he prayed for more captives to be released, just as he maintains that “it’s cheering news”.

“I was together with someone who called a family member of Alooma and he has confirmed the release of his brother. This is encouraging news and we pray that more captives should be released soon,” Shehu said.