Troops rescue abductees as six ISWAP members surrender in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded fresh operational successes in the North-East, with six suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters surrendering alongside their families, while security forces rescued abductees, foiled attacks and arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers.

The Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to Goni, the six suspected ISWAP members surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after fleeing terrorist camps at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains.

He said troops recovered N1.54 million in cash, two mobile phones and other items from the surrendering suspects and their families.

In a separate operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two kidnapped victims during a search-and-rescue mission.

The operation also led to the recovery of N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, as well as food items and logistics believed to have been used by terrorist groups.

The rescued victims have been moved to a secure location for medical attention and psychosocial support.

The military also arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint after intercepting him with a large quantity of medical supplies allegedly being transported without authorisation.

In Ngala Local Government Area, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Logomani repelled a coordinated assault by suspected ISWAP fighters.

Goni said the attackers briefly breached part of the base’s defensive position before troops launched a counterattack that forced them to retreat with heavy casualties.

He, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some military equipment were damaged.

He added that reinforcements had been deployed to the area and operations were ongoing to strengthen security around the base.

Elsewhere, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected arms dealer in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of live ammunition.

In Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for insurgents.

Meanwhile, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted clearance operations around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

In another operation in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion working with local hunters arrested another suspected logistics supplier transporting five motorcycle tyres believed to be destined for terrorist elements.

Goni said the operations reflect the sustained pressure being mounted on insurgents through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to continuing search-and-rescue missions and offensive operations until terrorist groups are dismantled and all abducted persons are reunited with their families.

The military also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, medical supplies, construction materials or other logistics to terrorist groups that anyone found aiding insurgents would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.