Soldiers Rescue Captives, Repel ISWAP Attack, Arrest Terror Suspects In North-East
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded fresh operational gains across Nigeria's North-East, rescuing abductees, repelling a coordinated attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters, arresting suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovering arms, ammunition and cash in separate operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the military, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting search and rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, rescued two additional abductees from a terrorist hideout.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
“The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving appropriate medical care and psychosocial support,” the statement said.
In another major operation, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated assault by ISWAP fighters.
The military said the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base's defensive perimeter during an intense gun battle before troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
It, however, confirmed that one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
“The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location,” the statement added.
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 remains in military custody as investigations continue.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist groups.
In Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation on known terrorist enclaves and recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
The military also disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members surrendered alongside their families to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector 1.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals fled terrorist camps at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Items recovered from them included N1.541 million in cash, two mobile phones and other materials.
In a related development, troops arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint after intercepting him with a large quantity of medical supplies allegedly being transported without proper clearance.
Also, in Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion working with local hunters arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, recovering five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist use.
Operation Hadin Kai said the latest successes demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions and collaboration among security agencies in dismantling terrorist logistics networks and protecting communities across the North-East.
The theatre command reaffirmed its commitment to continuing search and rescue operations until all abducted victims are freed.
It also warned individuals providing food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or other forms of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately.
“Anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement said.