•More Boko Haram terrorists give up fight as troops sustain onslaught
•Bandits neutralised in North West
The Nigerian military says it is “inching closer to the final defeat of insurgency in the North East region”, as more Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) war commanders, are either being arrested or neutralized with their equipment captured or destroyed.
This is as the terrorists’ kingpins including a 19-year old Boko Haram fighter continue to surrender amidst sustained artillery bombardments and offensive onslaught against their enclaves and hideouts by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
The Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Maj-Gen. John Enenche, disclosing this in a statement on Monday, saying that another Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province fighter by name, Muhammadu Abubakar aka Babagana surrendered to troops in Mongonu, Borno State on May 29, 2020.
According to Enenche, preliminary interrogation revealed that the 19 year old repentant Boko Haram fighter joined the group about a year ago at Shaharam and participated in the attack on Tumbun Shaje.
“Regretting his past actions, Babagana called on his erstwhile colleagues who are currently in a state of despair and confusion in the forests to surrender to the troops of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The coordinator also recalled that on 24 May 2020 another Boko Haram fighter Malam Adamu Yahaya AKA Saad Karami surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion in Mongonu.
“In a related development on the same day, another Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province fighter, 35 year old Muhammadu Kabudumi AKA Amir Sabat also surrendered to the troops 242 Battalion in Monguno Borno State.
Read Also:
“Kabudumi confessed to joining the Boko Haram sect in 2015 but denied participating in any of the sects’ operations. He however revealed that he has done duties at Boko Haram criminals camps at Abadam, Malam Fatori and Duguri under the leadership of Muhammadu Lawan, a notorious Boko Haram Commander,” Enenche explained.
The coordinator further disclosed that in 28 May 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru deployed in Ngala LGA of Borno State conducted long range clearance operations to Gulwa, Diime, Musiri, Wuri Bari, Mada, Sangaya, Jarawa, Mutu, Isari and Mudu Villages of the same LGA. At Isari Village, troops uncovered a Boko Haram criminals’ hideout with well constructed battle trenches.
He said the troops captured 3 of the bandits and recovered one AK 47 Rifle loaded with a magazine containing 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 swords, one cutlass, one axe, a set of arrows and charms.
“Also, on 27 May 2020, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI deployed at Forward Operation Base Marafa raided an abandoned makeshift hut in Karama village and recovered one AK 47 Rifle and 25 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. However, no arrest was made as the criminals are suspected to be deceptively using the location as armoury.
“In another development, on 27 May 2020, troops of 17 Brigade in conjunction with elements of the Nigeria Police stormed a bandits’ hideout in Dumburun Forest and rescued 3 abducted victims. During the operation the gallant troops neutralized one bandit and recovered one FN Rifle mounted with magazine while others fled. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families.
“On the same day, following intense pressure mounted on bandits by the resilient troops of Operation KATSINA, some repentant bandits pleaded to surrender their weapons as well as jettison their criminal acts. Accordingly, 5 AK 47 Rifles, one Sniper Rifle, one FN Rifle, one PKT Machine Gun, one spare PKT Machine Gun barrel, one Pistol and one block engine of PKT Machine Gun were surrendered by the bandits. Other surrendered items include 5 AK 47 Rifle magazines, 2 FN Rifle magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted also surrendered to troops of Operation KATSINA,” Enenche said.
The Chief of Army Staff, congratulated the gallant troops for their resilience, courage and dedication to the noble cause of defending our fatherland against the terrorists. The High Command of the Armed Forces also encourages the troops to continue to be steadfast and focussed as they sustain their onslaught against the enemies of our nation.
