A team of policemen patrolling Maiduguri-Damaturu road on Monday prevented the abduction of a soldier and 15 travellers by insurgents.
The soldier, a lance corporal, is attached 4 Battalion in Marte.
Borno Police Command spokesman, Sani Kamilu, said the incident occurred around Yanakiri and Kondori villages when insurgents in about 20 gun trucks ambushed the motorists.
“They were intercepted and being abducted to the bush by suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists.
“The crack team of the police in collaboration with the Police Rapid Response Squad on getting the information, pursued the suspected terrorists into the bush.
“After an exchange of fire, the victims were rescued due to the superior fire power and techniques by the police operatives,” Mr Kamilu, an assistant superintendent of police, said.
He however said three of the travellers were still missing. NAN