By Mariam Sanni
Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has rescued six women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in the North-East, reuniting them with their families after weeks in captivity.
This was disclosed in a briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Micheal Onoja on the ongoing operations of the armed forces.
He explained that troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued to apply unrelenting pressure on Boko Haram/ISWAP remnants across Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe States.
He added that significantly, on April 30, a night ambush in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State resulted in the neutralisation of four terrorists, with an AK-47 rifle and associated ammunition recovered at the scene.
“In Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, troops intercepted and rescued six women and children who had been abducted from Ngoshe community during a terrorist raid on March 3, reuniting them with their families after weeks in captivity.”
He stated that three repentant terrorists voluntarily surrendered to troops in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, while a suspected terrorist logistics supplier arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Yunusari Local Government Area was found in possession of items strongly indicative of terror group affiliation, including turbans, veils and a substantial sum of money.
According to him, a terrorist, who had been coerced into joining an armed group following his abduction on Monguno-Gajiram road, also surrendered to troops, underscoring the increasing erosion of morale within the remnants of the terrorists.
The DHQ noted that offensive operations were further intensified when troops executed a three-pronged offensive in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, successfully clearing multiple communities including Dusu, Multe, Hawan Burum, Abala, Kimba, and Sabon Gari.
“During this operation, one terrorist was captured and two neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, motorcycles and other equipment were recovered. In Taraba State, a raid led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Donga Local Government Area and, in a follow-up operation, the apprehension of three additional suspects in Takum.
“Recovered items include a fabricated pistol, a pump action rifle, dane guns, AK-47 magazines, and various calibres of live ammunition, confirming the existence of an active arms supply network in the region.
“ A covert operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State led to the arrest of a female terrorist accomplice who had been awaiting evacuation to a terrorist enclave, while separate raids in Kaga Local Government Area netted two suspected terrorists and a watchlisted informant whose mobile phone contained contacts of intelligence value.
“On May 7, troops deployed in Magumeri successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists. The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under poor visibility, but were met with resistance from the troops, who decisively contained and defeated the assault and neutralised scores of the terrorists.
“Exploitation of the area revealed extensive blood trails and several terrorist corpses confirming heavy casualties inflicted on the terrorists. Troops also recovered PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines. Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense battle,” he said .
Similarly, he revealed that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE demonstrated sustained operation across Nasarawa, Plateau, and the FCT during the period under review.
Major-General Onoja added that troops in conjunction with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, apprehended a suspect along Abaji – Kwali road in Abuja, who had concealed 250 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition within the engine compartment of a saloon vehicle.
