Troops neutralise more terrorists, recover weapons in Borno

The Nigerian Army has continued to consolidate its operational momentum across the country, achieving major tactical and strategic successes against terrorists and criminal elements.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the army’s sustained onslaught had led to major breakthroughs recently in the North East.

The source said one such breakthrough was the recent uncovering of 54 improvised explosive devices, IEDs, rigged in gas cylinders and wired in series beneath the Dikwa–Marte Bridge in Borno.

Recall that troops of 24 Task Force Brigade and 50 Task Force Battalion operating under Operation Hadin Kai had on July 4 achieved the feat in a strategic operation.

The devices, planted by ISWAP/JAS insurgents to sabotage the critical infrastructure, were expertly neutralised by Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists.

IED attacks have been a major headache for the troops in their counterinsurgency efforts.

The source also revealed that troops of 7 Division Garrison, in conjunction with local hunters and Hybrid Forces, successfully launched coordinated ambushes, eliminating three terrorists at Platari and Komala in Konduga Local Government Area.

According to the source, troops recovered motorcycles, agrochemicals and food items.

“Concurrently, 222 Battalion troops repelled an attempted infiltration of the Mandarari IDP Camp, neutralising several insurgents in the process.

“In another proactive engagement, the Acting Commander of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, Brig Gen B.M.G. Martins, led a surgical raid on terrorist hideouts in Mandaragiri, Nguma, Kimba and Sabon Gari.

“This resulted in the elimination of two terrorist scouts and seizure of a cache of weapons.

“Relatedly the sustained operation led to the surrender of 14 family members of ISWAP/JAS fighters consisting of eight women and six children.

“Additionally, a teenage terrorist of Buduma descent surrendered, along with a horse, to troops of 19 Brigade in Baga on July 5,” he added.