By ZAKAA Lazarus
Over 20 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and 44 of their family members have surrendered or escaped from terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains in one week, citing hardship and lack of basic needs, the Defence Headquarters has said.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the surrender between 18-24 September in Gwoza, Dikwa and Ngala LGAs.
Onoja said in a biggest single rescue, troops intercepted 44 family members – 13 women, 31 children – at Konduga, Bama LGA on 24 September, who escaped amid clashes between rival terrorist factions.
He said troops also arrested a logistics supplier conveying Starlink internet devices to Chad along Dikwa-Gamboru road – indicating how terrorists are using satellite internet for coordination.
“On 17 September, troops backed by helicopter gunship countered a large-scale terrorist advance at Gajiram in Nganzai LGA, Borno. On 21 September, troops ambushed terrorists in Azare, Gujba LGA, Yobe, arresting four suspects with ammunition.
“In a major success, a Nigerian Air Force jet intercepted terrorists moving with a large number of kidnapped victims in Bazama area, Sakaba LGA, Kebbi State, enabling over 60 victims to escape.
“Ground troops rescued additional victims: 3 along Dandume-Damari Road, Katsina on 17 Sept; 3 in Bakura LGA, Zamfara on 18 Sept; 17 along Isa-Kwanar Axis, Sokoto on 20 Sept; 7 university students along Daye-Malumfashi Road, Katsina on 21 Sept; and 5 victims including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA at Sekpore Village, Kaura Namoda LGA, Zamfara on 24 Sept.
“Troops also arrested 4 suspects with rustled cattle near Illela, Sokoto on 20 Sept and 3 suspects conveying N2.7m cash for a terrorist kingpin at Faskari, Katsina on 24 Sept.
General Onoja also confirmed that troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD on 21 September detonated an IED laid by terrorists along Dekara-Masaka-Machan Geda road in Borgu LGA, Niger State.
“In Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba – Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 4 victims along Takum-Katsina-Ala Road, Benue on 18 Sept. On 19 Sept, troops raided a kidnap kingpin’s residence at Bukan Sidi, Lafia, Nasarawa, recovering a locally made revolver, military uniforms and N406,200 cash.
“Troops arrested an arms dealer at Apir, Benue, recovered 2 AK-47 rifles at Apawa, Lau LGA, Taraba, and arrested 2 kidnappers along Otukpo-Makurdi Road on 23 Sept.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi arrested 11 suspects linked to the kidnap of 2 victims at Gwafan, Jos North on 19 Sept. On 21 Sept, troops and Forest Guards neutralised 3 kidnappers at Kudu Yamma, Ningi LGA, Bauchi and rescued 6 victims.
“In the South South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE on 22 September uncovered approximately 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Bethel Creeks, Rivers State, alongside 8 dugout pits and hoses. This followed an earlier recovery of 87,000 litres at Aworkiri on 8 September.
“Troops of Operation UDO KA on 23 September encountered secessionist elements at Mother Valley, Ihitte Owerri, Orsu LGA, Imo, recovering a General Purpose Machine Gun, rifle, ammunition and motorcycle, and rescuing a female victim kidnapped two months earlier.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede commended troops and urged public support with credible information.
