Six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, along with their families, have surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, according to the military.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The military said the surrendered suspects were found with more than N1.5 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.
In a separate operation, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion conducting search-and-rescue missions in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7 rescued two additional abductees from a terrorist hideout.
According to the statement, troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, alongside food supplies and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
The rescued victims have since been moved to a secure location, where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.
The military also disclosed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a military position in Borno State during the same period, although one soldier lost his life in the encounter.
“Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement.”
Despite the attack, the military said the situation has been fully brought under control.
“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.”
Elsewhere, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Subsequent operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody, while further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.”
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household goods and other supplies allegedly intended for terrorist groups.
The military said the suspects are undergoing interrogation while investigations continue.
In another operation, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
“The recovery further underscores the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their operational capabilities.”
The military also announced the arrest of a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint after he was found transporting large quantities of medical supplies without authorisation.
In Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, supported by local hunters, intercepted another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State. He was arrested while transporting five motorcycle tyres, which the military believes were intended for terrorist elements.
“These latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and the seamless collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting vulnerable communities across the North East”, the statement added.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing rescue operations, assuring the public that efforts would continue until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The military also issued a warning to individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups.
“The Theatre Command also issues a stern warning to individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to immediately desist. Anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
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