Troops kill 48 Boko Haram terrorists, recover N2.3m

Sep 11, 2023

TROOPS of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 48 terrorists in different operations across the country.

The troops also recovered the sum of N2.3bmillion in their operations in the North-East.

Speaking on Thursday, April 6 at the bi-weekly press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami said that at least 974 terrorists and their families have surrendered to the Nigerian Army in two weeks.

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Danmadami noted that the Army had adopted both kinetic and non-kinetic methods in the campaign against the terrorists.

He disclosed that troops involved in Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have maintained offensive operation to mitigate the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

He said: “Precisely, on 23 March, 2023, troops conducted offensive operations to villages in Bama, Askira Uba and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State, and during these operations, troops made contact with terrorists and following the fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 1 NSTV gun, 1 NSTV barrel, 1 QJC barrel gun, 14 dane guns, 1 pump action gun, 1 x 36 hand grenade, 27 cartridges, 81 rounds of 7.62mm special, 7 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, Improvised Explosive Device wires, 7 motorcycles, 8 bicycles, 2 boafeng radios, 2 solar panel and 2 grinding machines among other items.”

He further stated that troops on March 24 neutralized two terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Danmadami also disclosed that troops confronted terrorists in Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State on March 25.

He added that the engagement led to the disarmament of two terrorists while those that fled sustained various degrees of injuries.

The Army spokesman said: “Following the incident troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 1 NSVT AA gun, 1 Gun Truck, 140 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 vulcanizing machine, 3 shovels, 1 mechanic tool box and other sundry items. Equally, on 27 March 2023, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying passengers and food items along Monguno – Cross Kauwa road within Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State while trying to exit Monguno town and it was revealed that the food items were meant for terrorists.

“Six of the passengers were identified as terrorists logistics couriers and arrested. Items recovered include 2 cartons of spaghetti, 1 bag of garri and a bag of groundnut among other sundry items. Troops also recovered the sum of Sixty Nine Thousand One Hundred And Sixty Naira (N69,160.00) from the suspects.

“Also, on 28 March 2023, troops on patrol arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist logistics supplier in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State who concealed the sum of Two Million Naira, One Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (N2,169,700.00) only inside a bag of grinded corn. The suspect revealed that he was conveying the cash to his brother who resides in the bush at Mandaragirau.

“On the same day, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant at Cross Kauwa in Kakuwa Local Government Area of Borno State. Also troops while on fighting patrol rescued 2 kidnapped civilians who were earlier abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Kubrumbula village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.”

Continuing, he added: “Consequently, within the week in focus, troops recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 2 NSVT guns, 1 NSVT gun barrel, 1 QJC barrel, 3 RPG bombs, 1 Anti-Riot gun, 3 pump action guns, 2 hand grenades, 3 PKT MG, 3 Gun Trucks, 188 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 142 rounds of 12.7x108mm ammunitions, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 27 cartridges, 18 dane guns, 17 AK47 magazines and Improvised Explosive Device wires.

“Other items recovered include 2 grinding machines, 1 vulcanizing machine, 1 mechanic tool box, tyre rims, 3 pairs of Boko Haram Uniforms, shovel, bags of assorted food stuff, cartons of spaghetti, medical supplier, solar panels, 12 motorcycles, 13 bicycles, mobile phones, boafeng radio, pouches, 1 vehicle and sum of Two Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand One Hundred and Fifteen Naira (N2,321,015.00) only.

“Troops equally neutralized 21 terrorists, captured 9 suspected Terrorists, arrested 11 suspected terrorists logistic suppliers/collaborators, apprehended 2 terrorists and rescued 54 terrorist escapees. While a total of 974 terrorists comprising 77 adult males, 364 adult females and 533 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the joint areas of operation.”

Danmadami further disclosed that all recovered items and arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

He noted that in a related development, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted several air interdiction operations against terrorists enclaves and logistics in order to degrade and curb the spate of insecurity within the theatre of operations between March 23 to 29.

Danmadami also described the call for interim national government by some Nigerians as an unconstitutional.

He stressed that there is no provision for an interim national government in the constitution.

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“On the issue of interim government, it is rather unfortunate. An election has been conducted and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that is mandated has announced a president elect.

“It is not our responsibility to speak on that issue but I know that several calls have been made from the Presidency that there is nothing like an interim national government,” he added.

The ICIR reported that the Department of State Services (DSS) raised an alarm over a plot to install an interim government in the country.

The alleged plot which was described as an aberration aimed to undermine Nigeria constitution had been generally condemned by relevant stakeholders like the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) among others.

Stories with punches holding the powerful accountable. His determination to speak out against corruption and influence the conversation in Nigeria, the surrounding region and the continent inspires him.

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