The Defence Headquarters has said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State have recovered different arms and ammunition and arrested a foreigner who is a terrorist informant in Sokoto.
The DHQ stated that the troops also rescued no fewer than 100 family members of terrorists in the last three weeks.
It added that 33 of the rescued family members were women, noting that 14 terrorists were killed, while 15 were arrested during one of its operations in Borno between May 19 and June 2, 2022.
Speaking during a press briefing on the activities of troops on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko, troops also recovered several arms and ammunition from the terrorists.
He said, “On May 31, 2022, troops repelled an attack by terrorists at Firm Base Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. During the attack, troops responded with superior firepower and inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists while others fled in disarray.
“Cumulatively, troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, five AK56 rifles, two FN rifles, 227 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven AK47 magazines, one PKM gun, one AA gun, 164 rounds of AA ammunition, 111 Shilka ammunition, one gun truck, one shilka barrel, two dane guns, two Improvised Explosive Device, one car engine, four trollies and one water pump machine.
“Troops also rescued 100 terrorists’ family members which included 33 women. Troops also neutralised 14 terrorists and arrested 15. Accordingly, all arrested, rescued terrorist families and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
Onyeuko also said within the weeks under review troops recovered nine AK47 rifles, 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 458 rustled cattle, 20 motorcycles, and rescued 152 civilians.
He noted that a foreigner identified as Jabe Buba who is a terrorist informant at Garuwa village in Tambuwa Local Government Area of Sokoto State was arrested following an intelligence report.
“Pictures and video of him posting rifles in the forest were found in his phone and cash of N130,000.00 was recovered from him.
“Also, troops neutralised 18 bandits and apprehended 25 bandits. Accordingly, all arrested, rescued civilians and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
He said cumulatively, in the last three weeks, troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refineries, 165 metal storage tanks, 72 ovens, 23 dug out pits, and five wooden boats.
“Also, recovered are 107,400 litres of crude oil, 456,450 litres of AGO, 6,250 litres of PMS, six trucks, three outbound engines, and one AK 47 rifle. Troops also apprehended 21 criminal elements. All recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he added.
Copyright PUNCH.
