In continuation of their aggressive clearance operations across the NE Theatre, on 3 June 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 6 Konduga, Borno State in conjunction with elements of Borno State Civilian Joint Task Force conducted a deliberate ambush operation against Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province’s criminals at Lawanti River line. In the ensuing encounter, troops neutralized 6 Boko Haram criminals while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. In another development, resulting from sustained artillery bombardments and ferocious ground assaults against Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa enclaves/hideouts, more insurgents are scampering to surrender to troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. For instance, on 2 June 2020, 3 Boko Haram criminals namely Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun and Alhaji Usman surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. The trio confessed to having escaped from their Boko Haram Camp in Dabulari Village, Bama LGA of Borno State after a massive artillery bombardment of the Camp by troops that led to the death of many of their erstwhile colleagues. They however regretted their actions and called on their former colleagues to also surrender to save themselves from unprofitable death.
Relatedly, on 2 June 2020, the combined troops of 19 Brigade and 401 Special Forces Brigade conducted a robust clearance operation to Doron Naira and Daban Magaji. In Doran Naira, troops recovered one 120mm Mortar base plate, one religious book, metal links for Anti-Aircraft ammunition and a roll of copper wire hurriedly abandoned by the Boko Haram criminals before the arrival of the gallant troops. At Daban Magaji, troops had an encounter with some marauding Boko Haram criminals hibernating in the area. The valiant troops, unleashed their superior fighting prowess, neutralizing 9 Boko Haram criminals in the process. Additionally, the troops destroyed one Boko Haram Gun Truck as well as captured one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 2 AK 47 Rifles, and a cache of Anti-Aircraft ammunition from the criminals. Regrettably, one gallant officer paid the supreme price while one soldier was wounded in action. However, the wounded in action soldier is currently receiving treatment in a military medical facility.
Similarly, on 1 June 2020, troops of 144 Battalion deployed in Madagali, Adamawa State briskly cleared Boko Haram criminals Staging Area and Crossing Points at Lemu, Gajinji and Tsakiraku. At Gajinji, troops had an encounter with the criminals resulting in the neutralization of one Boko Haram criminal and arrest of 2 adult females namely Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate identified to be the local Boko Haram commander’s wives.
Elsewhere in the North West Region, on 3 June 2020, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH acting on credible information raided a bandits’ Camp at Kurmin Dande in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops made contact and neutralized 2 of the bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The valiant troops recovered 2 Dane guns, 2 motorcycles, one locally fabricated short gun, 4 cutlasses, 3 cell phones, 2 small solar panels and some clothing items before destroying their camp.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai congratulates the gallant troops for their resilience, courage and dedication to the noble cause of defending our fatherland against the criminal elements. He further encourages them to remain steadfast and ruthless against the enemies of our nation.