Nigerian troops have neutralised not less than 51 terrorists and bandits in the past three weeks in the ongoing intermittent encounters with the insurgents in trouble spots across the country.
About 967 terrorists and families have also surrounded following intense fighting in the North East while intermittent air raids on terrorists hide outs and enclaves continues in the North West .
The Deputy Director Operations,Defence Headquarters Brigadier General Abdullahi Ibrahim disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja on the activities of the military in the past three weeks.
Brig Gen Ibrahim who spoke on behalf the new Director Defence Media Operations Major General Buba who was inadvertently absent at the media briefing, said that troops recovered 54 Ak47 rifles from the terrorists with the period.
Sleeknews observed that Ak47 rifle is commonly used by Boko Haram/ Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and other criminals that are causing mayhem in the North East, North West, North Central , South East and South South parts of the country.
Ibrahim said that as the military continue to mounted intense pressures on the insurgents to surrender , several of them are giving up . “Due to troops offensive operations against terrorists in the theatre of operations a total of 967 terrorists in North East comprising of 82 adult males, 354 adult females and 531 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the joint area of operations.”
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone of the country have continued to intensify operations against terrorists including their logistics suppliers and collaborators in recent months.
“In pursuit of this, between 17 and 18 June 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols to Kashimeri general area and cleared terrorists enclaves at Ajikawuri, Kuramari, Mbbalari, Kashimari, Muskanari, Gajibo Maila in Konduga, Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Ngala and Mobbar Local Government Areas of Borno State.
“During the operations, troops made contact with the terrorists and neutralized 5 terrorists, captured 3 while other fled. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 x 36 hand grenade, 1 Unexploded Explosive Ordinance, 3 motorcycles, 3 bags of grains and other valuable items.
“Also, on 22 June 2023, following intelligence report on terrorists crossing from Cameroon to Nigeria, troops laid ambush along Bula Yobe-Darel Jamel in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with the terrorists.
“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and recovered 1 bag each of flour and detergent.
“Furthermore, between 15 and 20 June 2023, troops arrested 10 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists collaborators and suppliers at different locations within the general area of operations and recovered some logistic supplies meant for the terrorists include mosquito nets, mosquito coils, 2 bags of sugar and the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Six Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty Five Naira (N246,235.00) only.”
“On 18 June 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected gun runners at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri – Damaturu in Maiduguri Local Government Area of Borno State and recovered 500 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 locally made pistol, 1 vehicle, 3 mobile phones, 2 jack knives and other sundry items.
Similar operation conducted on July 4, 2023 by the troops in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force at Mandara mountain, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Following the operation, troops ambush and neutralized a notorious Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists commander identified as NAOIB Gambo Jundullah and recovered 1 AK47 rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.