Not less than 15 passengers were reportedly kidnapped by terrorists allied to the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) on Thursday morning in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The incident, according to multiple reports, occured in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

A security source said the insurgents struck near Gumsuri village in Damboa, where they waylaid motorists and forcefully took them into the dreaded Sambisa Forest, with some staff of International Non-Governmental Organisations are among the victims.

The victims, said to be mostly young people, had reportedly left Damboa town while heading for Adamawa, on Wednesday, when they ran into a checkpoint mounted by the insurgents who were reportedly dressed in military camouflage.

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“It is unfortunate that the insurgents continue their nefarious activities on the fringes of Sambisa forests, we have received reports that ISWAP kidnapped at least 15 persons (passengers) near Gumsuri village while allowing two others to go.

“They are desperate to recruit more people into their criminal activities. They deceived people because they dressed in military attire. It is sad and shocking.” the security source said.

The incident happened after an earlier abduction of staff of the Borno State Ministry of Work, who were supervising the construction of about 45-kilometre Chibok-Damboa road.