Abuja, Aug 3 (IANS): One hundred and seventy eight kidnapped people in Boko Haram's custody have been freed by troops in Nigeria's state of Borno, an official statement said on Monday.
A total of 101 children, 67 women and 10 men were freed as troops conducted operations along Aulari road in Borno State, while intensifying efforts to flush out Boko Haram militants in its area of operations, Xinhua reported on Monday citing a statement issued by Col. Tukur Gusau, a spokesperson of the seventh division of the Nigerian army.
The captives were freed in various operations in which three Boko Haram flags were recovered and five motorcycles were burnt by the troops.
Nigerian troops have intensified efforts to root out Boko Haram militants since May, following president Muhammadu Buhari's order for relocation of the military command centre to Borno State, the centre of violence in the country.