Six suspected fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their family members have surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, the military has said.
Gatekeepers News reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops recovered more than N1.5 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other items from the surrendered suspects and their families.
In a separate operation, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abducted victims during ongoing search-and-rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food supplies and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
The rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
Meanwhile, Operation Hadin Kai confirmed that its troops repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters on a military position in Borno State, although one soldier lost his life during the encounter.
According to the military, “Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement.”
The military added that the situation had been brought under control.
“The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location,” the statement said.
In another operation, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The military said follow-up operations led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody, while further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network,” the statement added.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies suspected to have been intended for terrorist groups.
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while the recovered exhibits remain in military custody pending further investigation.
As part of sustained offensive operations, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out clearance operations on known terrorist enclaves around Wulgo.
During the operation, troops recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
“The recovery further underscores the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their operational capabilities,” the military stated.
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.
Also, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, intercepted and arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area with five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist elements.
The suspect and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation.
The military said the series of operations reflects the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts across the North-East.
“These latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and the seamless collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting vulnerable communities across the North East,” the statement said.
Operation Hadin Kai also assured residents that search-and-rescue missions would continue until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
“The Theatre Command also issues a stern warning to individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to immediately desist. Anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
