Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have abducted numerous travelers along the Maiduguri-Kano highway. According to the Daily Trust, the insurgents carried out the abductions on Monday evening between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno along the Damaturu highway. The insurgents reportedly blocked the highway, forcefully abducting several passengers, while other commuters had to retreat to Benishek and Auno.

“There was an incident between Mannanari and Garin Kuturu where some Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles, and some passengers were abducted. We are not sure of the number as we speak, but certainly, there was an abduction on Monday evening,” a source told the newspaper.

Residents recounted that commercial drivers sought refuge in their community during the attack. "They came out with three wheelbarrows, likely looking for foodstuffs. We don’t know how many people were abducted, but some commercial drivers returned to Maiduguri before military reinforcements arrived.”

A passenger, speaking anonymously, said he and others were stranded on the highway for hours. “We were heading for Kano from Maiduguri when the driver got wind of the attack and took a detour. We have been waiting for the military to clear the road, but we don’t know when. We are stranded here.”