Nigerian troops have said it has rescued over 1,000 hostages who had been held captive by the group even as soldiers apprehended 4 female suicide bombers who were approaching military locations from Sambisa forest following a tip off.
Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor who made the disclosure while giving an update of the battle, noted that troops conducting the operations were currently in the heart of Sambisa Forest.
His words, “Troops are deep into the forest to smoke out Boko Haram Terrorists. The outcomes of major operations are as follows, “Following a tip-off, troops intercepted 4 female suicide bombers approaching from Sambisa in the general area of Jimini-Bolari village.
“Two unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices on the suicide bombers were safely detonated by own EOD team. During the incident, 2 women and a baby from Ngawafete village were arrested after the blast as they were seen approaching Madiyari village.
“Also, a suspected Boko Haram training camp at Mudallah village in Dikwa LGA was raided by troops on 1 April 16. Consequently, troops made contact and killed a suspected BHT Amir and 6 others while capturing 5 of them.
“During the raid, 5 Boko Haam Terrorists’ vehicles and several BHTs flags were destroyed. Also, over 1,000 civilians held captive were rescued.
“Similarly, on 3 April, 16 Operation Lafiya Dole troops conducted fighting patrol to Boboshe, Garna, Kyare, Ginba and Ajiri villages. The patrol team recovered 8 industrial gas cylinders and 5 regular gas cylinders at a primary school being used for bomb making. Continuing General Irabor said,
“Also, 3 Boko Haram Terrorists’ were captured while 4 motor cycles, 3 bicycles, a solar panel and 2 containers of liquid herbicides were destroyed.
“On 28 April 16, troops embarked on fighting patrols in the general area of Bogoro, Duguno 1, 2 and 3. On reaching Mbaraka, they encountered and cleared some Boko Haram Terrorists’ elements.
“The troops proceeded to Jadda village where they engaged and killed 4 Boko Haram Terrorist’s. The patrol team also discovered a big pit where the BHTs used for dumping their victims to die and rot.
“The patrol team later freed some hostages and recovered an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 14 Dane guns, a motorcycle, 2 solar panels, 120 litres of AGO, some packets of panadol and a food storage facility.
“During the operation, one of our troops suffered gunshot wound and was evacuated for medical treatment. I am glad to state that he is in stable condition and responding to treatment.
“Similarly, on 29 Apr 16, our troops busted a BHT logistics Base at Yerwa where rustled cattle are held. The troops also raided Kaluketu and the self-styled town of Abuja which is a BHT logistics exchange points.
At the end of the operation 4 BHT were killed, 2 x AK 47 rifles with 29 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one dane gun, bow and arrows among others were captured.
“In the same operation 2 laptops computers and 6 mobile phones were also recovered, including a truck and 5 x motorcycles.
“On 30 Apr 16, a major BHT IED making factory was uncovered in Ngala town. Items discovered include 20 gas cylinders of various sizes already bored for explosive insertion, primers, bolt and nuts to make the IED lethal, gun powder, electrical wires and tape recorders. However, no arrest was made.
“Also on 30 April 16, another fighting patrol was carried out by troops around Wumbi in Kala Balge LGA. Own troops encountered Boko Haram Terrorist’s at Tatakura village, 20km south-west of Wumbi.
“Consequently, 9 Boko Haram Terrorists’ were killed in action while 2 motor cycles, 3 AK 47 rifles, 1 FN rifle, 1 GPMG, 1 RPG 7 bomb and 60mm mortar bombs were captured. Sadly, 5 own troops were wounded in action and are currently in stable condition receiving medical attention.
On Air Operations, General Irabor said, “The Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole has conducted several missions with series of sorties in support of the general operation within the Theatre.
“Such include air interdiction missions and armed reconnaissance resulting in destruction of several BHTs hideouts and suspected logistic storage depots.
