The Nigerian Military high command said its troops have killed 26 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and arrested 25 terrorists logistics suppliers in Borno.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure in Abuja, while giving update on two weeks military operations in the country.
He noted that in the past two weeks, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, with significant results recorded.
General Danmadami added that a total of 511 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families comprising of 99 adult male, 161 adult female and 251 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.
According to him, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone of the country have sustained the offensive against terrorist and other criminal elements within the zone through intense ground and air operations, which yielded tremendous successes.
“Between May 3 and 12, 2023, troops conducted offensive and clearance operations at terrorists enclaves and camps at different location in Sambisa forest and villages within Bama, Damboa, Gwoza and Kaga Local Government Areas of Borno State.
“In these operations troops had several fierce encounters with Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists during which 15 terrorists were neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds.
“During the operations troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 8 SMGs, 15 grenades, 2 pump action guns, 1 LMG gun, 1 Ma rifle, 2 AA barrel, 12 dane guns, 25 AK47 magazines, 2 double barrel guns, 3,896 rounds of .50 inch, 1,802 rounds of 12.7mm x 19, 1,475 rounds of 9mm, 86 rounds 12.7mm x 108mm API, 183 rounds of shilka, 60 rounds of 40mm BGL, 2 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 B/SP, 34 cartons of sig pistol ammo, 124 RPG bombs, 50 x 36 hand grenade, 5 SMK bombs, 13 RPG tubes, 8 x 76mm bombs, 130 smoke grenades (teargas), 13 x PG 42 grenade and 247 rounds x 38mm SMK bombs.”
“Also on May 12, 2023 troops on fighting patrol came in contact with terrorists at Fadondiya in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State and following the fire fight, the terrorist fed. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 Gun Trucks, 2 AA gun, 1 RPG tube, 2 AK47 rifles, 1 RPG bombs, 387 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 440 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammo, 364 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm (NATO) and 3 buffalo GT tyres.
“Furthermore, between May 4 to 12, 2023, troops arrested 25 Boko Haram /Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists logistics suppliers at different locations within the theatre of operations and recovered 75 bags of fertilizers, 7 vehicles, 2 drums of Premium Motor Spirit, 6 gallons of engine oil, 7 drums of water, 3 bags of grains, 3 bags of salt, 1 carton of maggi seasoning, 12 hose cables, 8 new tyres, 1 carton of bulbs, 13 bicycle chains, 15 bicycles free wheels, 25 mobile phones, 12 air pumps, 4 brakes, 7 pedals and the sum of N69,550.00 only amongst other items.
“Equally, onMay 6, 2023, troops on fighting patrol rescued one Saratu Dauda, one of the adopted Chibok School girls on serial 10 of the list. Furthermore, on 8 May 2023, 34 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and family members comprising 6 adult males, 14 adult females and 14 children surrendered to troops at Damboa in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They claimed to have escaped the terrorists camp due to troops intensive offensive in the general area. Also, a JAS fighters surrendered to troops at Damboa in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. He claimed that his motivation to surrender was due to military offensive in Sambisa forest area.”
Danmadami added that troop of Operation HADARIN DAJI have also sustained the onslaught against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities in the North West zone of the country.
According to him, “In furtherance to this, troops conducted raids, clearance and fighting patrols to identified terrorist enclaves at different locations within Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara State respectively.
“On May 6, 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorist at Keta high ground in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and following the fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while others fled. Troops further exploited the general area and rescued 10 kidnapped civilians and recovered 1 RPG bomb, 108 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 telescopic sight and 1 boafeng radio.”