Nigerian Troops Rescued 53 More Hostages, Kill 2 Terrorists in Latest Operation Against Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army troops deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists have rescued 53 more hostages, killed two terrorists and arrest another one during recent operations

According to Acting Director Army Public Relations Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, troops of 114 Task Force Battalion of 28 Task Force Brigade in aggressive patrol to dominate and secure the road linking Izge and Bitta came across 43 persons that escaped from one of the Boko Haram terrorists hideout in Madube. “The escapees comprised of 10 men, 14 women and 19 children. They are currently being screened and profiled at the Battalion Headquarters” Usman said.

The Army spokesman further stated that troops of 115 Task Force Battalion of the same Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilante groups, also carried out patrols to Pegana, Joma, Wambiyar, Dille, Pumpum, Zah, Miya and Pugula communities and cleared them of Boko Haram terrorists.

He added that some elements of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), arrested and handed over a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, named Garba Thlama Mussa to the unit. Usman said Mussa is currently being interrogated  and would be handed over to Joint Intelligent Committee.

The Army spolesman also revealed that troops of 117 Battalion also carried out patrol within Mubi North and Mubi South to ensure general security of the areas. He said the same unit also provided security to Adamawa State boundaries adjustment committee during their visit to Kwaja village in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Meanwhile troops of 143 Battalion also carried out patrol in Bebel, Fattude, Teddei, Hyambula and Sukur. “We are pleased to state that the troops in that axis are in high spirit determined to continue doing the nation proud” Usman added.

He troops of 3 Battalion also conducted  foot and mobile patrols towards Diema, Tatakura and Kala villages in which they had contact with Boko Haram terrorists and killed 2 of them and recovered some dangerous weapons.

Usman added that troops of 22 Brigade Garrison in conjunction with a detachment of Nigeria Custom Services personnel conducted patrol along Dikwa-Mafa-Maiduguri road to keep it safe.

“As the security situation kept improving in the North East especially in the liberated and cleared areas, other security and Para-military agencies have started redeploying back to their locations. It was to this end that the Nigerian Immigration Service has also deployed its personnel in Dikwa. The 21 personnel were received and briefed at the Headquarters 22 Brigade Garrison. The team is undergoing  training on mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) awareness and ground signs before they commence work” he said.

In a related development, the troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, intercepted 14  Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) which include 3 men, 3 women, 6 male children and 2 female children coming to Dikwa from Chingowa village. The IDPs were screened by the troops and the Civilian JTF at the area and then handed over  to Dikwa IDP Coordinator for further screening, registration and rehabilitation.

The Army spokesman also revealed that administrative patrol was ambushed arround 12 kilometres to Gwoza. He said  3 soldiers and 13 other civilians were wounded. “All of the wounded have been evacuated to 21 Brigade Medical Reception Station. They are all in stable condition and responding to treatment” Usman said.