The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, says its troops have recorded fresh operational successes across the North-east, including the rescue of abductees, the repulsion of an attack by suspected ISWAP fighters, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abductees during a Search and Rescue operation conducted on July 7 in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other supplies believed to have been used to support terrorist operations. The rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.
In another operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The military said the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during an intense gun battle before the troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with what it described as heavy casualties.
However, one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
The statement added that the base remains under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops, with reinforcements deployed and follow-up operations continuing.
Elsewhere, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Subsequent operations led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect is in military custody while investigations continue.
In Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers.
Recovered from the suspects were cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies believed to have been intended for terrorist groups.
Similarly, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a clearance operation around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
The military also disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector One along with their family members.
Preliminary investigations indicated that they escaped from terrorist enclaves at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the group included N1.541 million in cash, two mobile phones and other personal belongings.
In a related development, troops at Molai checkpoint arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier found transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.
In Sector Two, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, working with local hunters, also arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State while transporting five motorcycle tyres allegedly meant for terrorist elements.
Captain Goni said the latest operations demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained military offensives, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies in disrupting terrorist logistics networks and protecting communities in the North-East.
He added that Operation Hadin Kai would continue search and rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The military also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transport services or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
