Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE last month killed 75 suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT)/ Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and rescued 35 hostages, the Nigerian military said Sunday morning.
It said the feats were recorded in 17 encounters across the northeast between June 1 and 30, adding that the troops also captured assorted arms and large cache of ammunition.
Regrettably, an officer paid the supreme price while a soldier was wounded in action and evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
Among the seized weapons were Anti-Aircraft Gun, 13 AK47 rifles, one sniper rifle, 21 locally made guns, two dane guns and one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG). Others include three Hand Grenades, five RPG bombs, 205 rounds of Anti-Aircraft ammunition, 1018 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two BTH flags.
According to a statement by Coordinator, Defence Media Opeeations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, a gun truck, one Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device, a Toyota Starlet car and several makeshift structures belonging to the terrorists were destroyed by the troops within the period.
He said some BHT/ISWAP fighters surrendered following the sustained onslaught against the criminals and heavy casualty on their side.
Enenche said the troops captured four suspects including two women who were later identified as Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate, both wives of an alleged local Boko Haram commander at Gajingi in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
“Also, the troops arrested one Boko Haram spy named Kawalu during a Jumaat prayer at Michika Central Mosque and one Boko Haram fighter captured in the aftermath of an encounter at Miyanti general area in Bama LGA of Borno State.
“The period under review also witnessed four surrenders by Boko Haram criminals. The trio of Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun and Alhaji Usman surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State while one Mustapha Kori surrendered to troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru in Ngala LGA of Borno State.
“It is equally heart-warming to note that, during the period, troops rescued 35 captives of BHTs/ ISWAP criminals. Amongst those rescued are 18 women, 16 children and one adult male. The rescued children were promptly administered with Polio vaccine in line with the Buratai Intervention Initiative while the women were administered with first aid as required.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai commends the troops for the resilience and patriotism they continue to demonstrate in crushing the remnants of BHTs/ISWAP criminals. He also urges them to maintain the tempo against the criminals as we approach the end of insurgency in our country.
“In a similar vein, the Military High Command encourages the troops of LAFIYA DOLE to remain resolute in curtailing the activities of terrorists and their collaborators in the North-East zone of the country. The high command equally appreciates Nigerians for their support and urges them to continue providing timely information to troops on activities of BHTs/ISWAP collaborators in their respective localities for prompt and effective action,” he said.