As the military continues its aggressive clearance operations in the NE theatre, more Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals have been neutralised while others have been arrested. In the early hours of 8 June 2020 for instance, troops of 192 Battalion deployed in Gwoza, Borno State conducted a well-coordinated commando raid on Boko Haram criminals’ hideout at Kwatara on the Mandara Mountains. The gallant troops tactically ascended to the summit of the mountain and took over the criminals’ Observation Posts before engaging them with overwhelming fire power resulting in the neutralization of a large number of the criminals while many others scampered for safety with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. On the same day, 8 June 2020, troops of 151 Battalion deployed at Strong Response Area Miyanti conducted ambush operation against Boko
Haram criminals along Darel Jamel – Miyanti Road. The troops successfully neutralized 2 of the Boko Haram criminals and rescued 2 women in the process. Additionally, troops recovered 2 bicycles, one sack containing 121 pairs of new rubber slippers and the sum of Twenty Nine Thousand and Five Hundred Naira (N 29,500.00) only.
In a related development same day, 8 June 2020, one Boko Haram member named Mustapha Kori surrendered to the troops of Army Super Camp 11, Gamboru. The surrendered insurgent confessed that he has been an active member of the criminal sect for the past 5 years and that he managed to escape from their camp located at Fulatari around Lake Chad after a series of Artillery bombardments of their location leading to the death of most of their fighters including their local commanders.
Earlier on 5 June 2020, troops of 195 Battalion deployed in Strong Response Area Zabarmari, Borno State conducted a long range clearance patrol to Jajeri, Gurnum Kole l, Gurnum Kole ll, Malis and Ladin Mbuta. Additionally, troops cleared Asala Fura, Mai Njika, Kanube, Kessa Ngala, Taula and Shuwabe. At Taula, troops stormed a Boko Haram hideout and engaged the criminals forcing them to flee in disarray. However, during the encounter, troops neutralized 3 of the Boko Haram criminals and recovered one solar panel charger, one cell phone, rubber solution, roasted beef, rice, cooking pots and some cooking ingredients before destroying the enclave.
Similarly, on 5 June 2020, same troops of 195 Battalion deployed at Dusuman in conjunction with elements of Borno State Civilian Joint Task Force conducted a successful night ambush at a Boko Haram crossing point along Dusuman – Zabarmari track road leading to the elimination of one Boko Haram criminal while others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle magazine loaded with 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Furthermore on the same day, 5 June 2020, troops of 271 Task Force Tank Battalion deployed in Michika, Adamawa State acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested a Boko Haram criminal named Kawalu spying during Jummat Prayer at Michika Central Mosque. The arrested suspect confessed to have come from Maikadiri a Boko Haram criminals’ enclave. Suspect is in troops custody for further interrogation.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai commends the troops for their resilience and patriotism in crushing the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals and urges them to maintain the tempo against the criminals as we approach the end of insurgency in our country.