One surveyor from the group of 10 geological researchers kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram militants in Borno State has been rescued.
The spokesman for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ndu Ughamadu, confirmed this on Wednesday in an interview with BBC.
The spokesman for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ndu Ughamadu, confirmed this on Wednesday in an interview with BBC.
Ughamadu said that the surveyor identified as Ibrahim Gildado was found alive but did not give further details.
According to him, some of the local security escorts taken alongside the geologists were also found.
The men, working with the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) were seized on Tuesday in an ambush near Jibi village in Borno State, North-East Nigeria.
They were contracted by the NNPC to work on oil exploration in nearby Lake Chad and returning from the Magumeri area when they ran into the ambush.
Security operatives and some members of the civilian JTF escorting the researchers, numbering up to 30, were also reported to have fallen into the trap of the terrorists.
The attack came barely three weeks after troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole (151 Battalion) discovered freshly dug holes prepared for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists
