The Department of State Services (DSS), working with forest guards, successfully rescued seven people abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Borno State following a fierce gun battle in a forest enclave.
The victims were taken on January 19, 2026, while fetching firewood near Ajiri Camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Two of the captives managed to escape and alert the community, while one boy was sent on a bicycle to raise a ₦20 million ransom.
Upon receiving intelligence, DSS operatives and forest guards mobilized, trekking silently for nearly an hour to avoid detection before engaging the terrorists. The gunfight forced the ISWAP elements to flee, leaving the captives behind. All rescued victims were unharmed and are currently receiving support and profiling from authorities.
Forest Guard Commander Hassan Modu credited the success to timely intelligence and joint action, commending DSS for their guidance and urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama explained that forest guards operate under DSS supervision, receiving training in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and bush operations, ensuring disciplined and professional coordination in counterterrorism and community security efforts.
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