Troops Kill 2 Boko Haram/ISWAP Commanders, 49 Others In Borno, Katsina

At least 49 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including two commanders, have been killed by Nigerian troops during ground and air raids being carried out in the North East, North West and North Central zones, in the past three weeks.

The Defence Headquarters said troops captured 11 terrorists, arrested 39 collaborators/suppliers, and 82 other criminals, while 967 terrorists, comprising 82 males, 354 adult females and 531 children surrendered to troops at different locations in the frontlines.

Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Haruna Ibrahim, said these in Abuja on Thursday during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters.

He said: “On 4 July 2023, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted an ambush operation at Mandara Mountain, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Following the operation, troops ambushed and neutralized a notorious Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists commander identified as NAOIB Gambo Jundullah, and recovered 1 AK47 rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

“Also, between 22 and 26 June 2023, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted an air interdiction operation at terrorists’ hideout at Tumbun Shitu, Arina Chiki a known terrorist hideout in Southern Tumbuns of Borno State. It was further revealed that the location serves as the ammunition dump, training ground and logistics hub for the Boko Haram/ISWAP. Consequently, the locations were bombarded with bombs, neutralized several terrorists and destroyed their structures in the air strike.

“Likewise at Sulele enclave, INTEL revealed that the terrorists’ leader and his foot soldiers were hibernating at the location to attack the general area in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State; while terrorists activities were observed at Takatsaba and Dusen Duya enclaves. Consequently, these locations were attacked with rockets and cannons. Feedback revealed that terrorists suffered massive casualties with their structures destroyed in the air strike.”

The Defence spokesperson said that troops on operations in the South East zone killed four Outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters during gun battles, and rescued 15 kidnapped victims, while 37 criminals were apprehended.

“On 17 June 2023, Troops on routine patrol within Nwobi village in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State made contact with IPOB/ESN criminals who opened fire on troops. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 2 IPOB/ESN criminals while others fled with gunshot wounds and recovered 3 AK47 rifles with 1 extra magazine,” Ibrahim said

“On 23 June 2023, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police personnel responded to INTEL on IPOB/ESN criminals hibernating in a hotel at Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and conducted cordon and search operation within the general area and arrested 15 suspected criminals.

“Equally, on 24 June 2023, following a tip off, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police personnel raided suspected kidnappers hideouts at the fringes and border towns in Umunneochi, Ishiagu as well as Enugu South Local Government Areas of Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively and arrested 7 suspected kidnappers.”

Troops of Operation Delta Safe also destroyed 30 illegal refining sites and arrested 42 economic saboteurs in the South-South zone.