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1,755 Boko Haram Terrorists, Relations 'Surrendered' To Nigerian Troops In Two Weeks – Defence Headquarters

DEFENCE

Among the number, it said 280 of them were male adults, 523 were female adults while 952 were their children.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters says a total of 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to Nigerian troops at different locations in the North-East region of the country between July 28 and August 11, 2022.

Among the number, it said 280 of them were male adults, 523 were female adults while 952 were their children.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General, Benard Onyeuko, gave the figures on Thursday at the Defence Headquarters during a media briefing on the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies from the various operational theatres in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Onyeuko said within the period under review, the troops arrested five suspected foreign bandits who gave their names as Muritala Wada, Saminu Sani, Shamisu Adamu, Salisu Saadu and Usman Ibrahim at Jibia in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State in North West on July 25, 2022.

Although the Director of Defence Media Operations was silent on the casualty and losses suffered by the Nigerian troops during these operations, he, however, said that 29 terrorists and bandits were neutralised with 55 arrested. It said 52 civilians were kidnapped in the North-East region.

He said troops also recovered 128 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 bicycles, 12 AK47 rifles, 4 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones.

The breakdown of the operations according to Major General Onyeuko says:

North East Zone: "Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to dominate their general area of operation as they conducted operational activities in villages, mountains, towns and cities. Troops ambush Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist along Road Uzoro-Gadamayo in Adamawa State, during the encounter one terrorist was neutralized while others fled. Troops further exploited the area and recovered 1 AK49 rifle, 1 AK47  rifle, 4 AK49 magazines, 250 rounds of 5.56mm, 1 bandolier and a mobile phone.

"Also, between 27 July to 2 August 2022 troops conducted fighting patrols, ambushes, clearance and raid operations along Road Pulka-Shave axis, Gabachari, Doksa Village and Buni Yadi town in Borno and Yobe State respectively,

"Troops in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force also arrested Hussain Dungus, Ali Bulama Jidda and Mallam Ali Abuna terrorist logistics suppliers on 6 August 2022 at and Buni Yadi general area.

"Items recovered from the suspects include the sum of One Million Seven Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand Seven Hundred naira (1,793,700.00) only, a large quantity of assorted foodstuffs, 3 handsets, 2 bicycles and other sundries.

"Consequently, within the week under review, a total of One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-Five (1,755) Boko Haram Terrorists members and their families comprising 280 adult males, 523 adult females and 952 children surrendered to own troops at different locations. All surrendered Boko Haram Terrorist members and their families were profiled and handed over to the relevant authorities.

"Similarly, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on 3 August 2022 at Degbawa near Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The airstrike led to the neutralization of a key Islamic State of West Africa Province Commander Alhaji Modu (aka Bem Bem) and his fighters.

"Information gathered from the locals revealed that 20 terrorists were confirmed dead in the strike at the location where the terrorists converged for a meeting before the strike.

"Accordingly, within the weeks in focus troops neutralized 29 terrorists, arrested 55 and rescued 52 civilians. Also, troops recovered 128 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions, 5 bicycles, 12 AK47 rifles, 4 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones."

He however noted that all the surrendered terrorists and items recovered had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

On the North Central Zone, operations Major General Onyeuko stated that between 26 and 29 July 2022, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted operational activities in Mararaba, Udege, Kukyo village, Tse-Ibor, Tse Igbakyor, Akwana and Ayibe village in Logo Local Government Area and Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and Modern Market near Mopol Barracks in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

He said "during the operations, troops arrested some notorious criminals who were on the wanted list of the Theatre Command. Notable is the arrest of one Nathaniel Azege who has been terrorising Makurdi town.

"In the same vein troops also arrested Moses Aindigh a 27-year-old terrorist and Mr Iluyasu Mohammed, 37-year-old. Items recovered during the operation include 1 AK47 rifle, 1 locally made pistol 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5 mobile phones, 1 axe, 2 machetes among others. 

"Also, the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN between 3 and 4 August 2022 arrested 4 notorious kidnappers named Umar Zakari, Usman Hamina, Haruna Umaru and Umar Mohammed at Fuskar Mata village in Bassa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State."

He said the arrested kidnappers had confessed to being involved in kidnap cases in Fuskar Mata village and Qua’anpan town. "Items recovered from the suspects include 1 AK47 and 10 rounds of 7.62mm special."

"Moreso, troops on 2 August 2022 while on patrol recovered 100 vandalized rail sleepers in an abandoned Peugeot boxer with registration number AGL 466 XM at Bak village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, troops also rescued 2 kidnapped civilians named Mr Ebuka Nnadi (30-year-old), and Mr Uchenna Edoga (25-year-old) on 4 August 2022 at Kasuwa Ali Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau.

"On 8 August 2022 based on credible intelligence on the massing up of terrorists loyal to a notorious terrorist Alhaji Shanono at Ukambo village possibly for a meeting. The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH carried out air strike during their meeting.

"In the airstrike, a terrorist leader, Alhaji Shanono and scores of terrorists were eliminated. Report from local source disclosed that 30 AK47 rifles and 20 motorcycles were destroyed while 18 terrorists were neutralized. Source also revealed that 45 kidnapped civilians were released as a result of the airstrike."

 

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