From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Between 31 July and 6 August 2024, a total of 622 terrorists comprising 90 adult males 182 adult females and 350 children surrendered to troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai in the North East theatre of operations.
Also, between 31 July and 4 August 2024, a total of 52 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families surrendered to troops in Bama, Gwoza and Kaga LGAs of Borno State.
During the operations, troops recovered one GPMG, one AK56 rifle, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, one bandolier and one mobile phone amongst other items.
In a statement issued to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said that troops while conducting Operation DESERT SANITY III conducted separate offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists within Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 35 terrorists and rescued 118 kidnapped hostages including children.
Troops also recovered one dushka, one MG, 29 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, 4 MRAPS, 2 x Canter Trucks, 2 Gun trucks, 980 rounds of 7.62mm special, 503 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, 400 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 4 x motorcycles amongst others.
He further explained that troops while conducting Operation LAKE SANITY II conducted offensive operations to BH/ISWAP terrorists hideouts and made contact with terrorists around Lake Chad Island and following a fire fight he said, troops neutralized 12 terrorists including high profile commanders and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 8 motorcycles amongst others.
Explaining further Major General Buba said that between 1 and 4 August 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Damboa, Monguno and Jere LGAs of Borno State and during the operations, troops rescued 10 kidnapped hostages and
arrested Suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists Commaders.
“On 4 August 2024, following credible intelligence, troops while on sting operations intercepted and arrested 2 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists commanders identified as Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman who infiltrated IDP Camps in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.
Arrest of suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators between 2 and 5 August 2024, following reports , troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested 14 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Gujba and Nguru LGA of Yobe State as well as Mobbar, Gubio, Biu, Jere and Damboa LGAs of Borno State respectively.
Arrest of A Soldier in Possession of Ammunition. On 5 August 2024, troops while on stop and search operations intercepted and arrested one soldier identified as Sgt Saad Adamu suspected to be a arms dealer with caches of ammunitions concealed in inside a bagco bag in Konduga LGA of Borno State.
Troops recovered 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammo, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 magazines.
“Fighting Patrols. On 4 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested 2 suspected terrorists collaborators identified as Malam Mustapha Ismaila and Abdulmudalabi Haruna as well as rescued 2 kidnapped hostages (minors) in Bama, Gwoza and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.
“Following several HUMINT and confirmatory ISR the air component of Operation HADIN KAI on 2 August 2024, conducted air interdiction at newly uncovered BH/ISWAP terrorists hideout and IED factory in Mandara mountains. Subsequently, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and the IED factory as well as their logistics destroyed.
“Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 47 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 130 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered one dushka, one MG, one GPMG, one AK56 rifle, 37 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 4 MRAPs, 2 Gun trucks, 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammo, 1,146 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 513 rounds of 7.62mm NATO amongst several items,” he stated.
