From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded fresh operational successes across the North East, rescuing abductees, repelling terrorist attacks, arresting suspected logistics suppliers and recovering weapons, cash and other items linked to insurgent activities.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
He said troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting search and rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
The rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.
Captain Goni further disclosed that troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists.
Although the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the fierce exchange of fire, the troops regrouped swiftly, launched a counter-offensive and forced the terrorists to retreat after inflicting heavy casualties.
One soldier was, however, killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
Reinforcements have since been deployed to the base, while exploitation operations are ongoing to strengthen security in the area.
In another operation, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The arrest led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect is in military custody while investigations continue.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered include cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies suspected to have been intended for terrorist groups.
The suspects are currently being interrogated.
Troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, also carried out a clearance operation around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
The statement added that six suspected ISWAP members, accompanied by their families, voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector One.
Preliminary investigations revealed that they fled terrorist enclaves at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Recovered from them were N1,541,500, two Tecno mobile phones and other items.
In a related development, troops at the Molai checkpoint arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier found transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.
Also, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, arrested another suspected logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area with five motorcycle tyres believed to be destined for terrorist elements.
Captain Goni said the latest operational successes demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions and collaboration among security agencies in dismantling terrorist logistics networks and protecting communities across the North East.
He reiterated that Operation HADIN KAI would continue search and rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The Theatre Command also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transport services or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to immediately desist, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
