By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces has said that it killed 75 Boko Haram/ISWAP members in 17 encounters between 1st to 30the June, 2020, by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North-East.
Major General John Enenche, Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in a statement.
He said the encounters led to the recovery of assorted cache of ammunition, including one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 13 AK-47 rifles, one Sniper rifle, 21 locally-made guns, 2 Dane guns and one Rocket Propelled Gun.
Others included three hand grenades, five Rocket Propelled Gun bombs, 205 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, 1,018 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Also in custody are two Boko Haram flags.
“Also, one Gun Truck, one Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device, one Toyota Starlet car, and several makeshift structures belonging to the terrorists were destroyed by the valiant troops within the period.
“Equally, four BHT/ISWAP criminals including two women namely, Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate, were captured and later identified to be the wives of the local Boko Haram commander at Gajingi in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
“Also, the troops arrested one Boko Haram spy named Kawalu during a Jumaat prayer at Michika Central Mosque and one Boko Haram fighter captured in the aftermath of an encounter at Miyanti general area in Bama LGA of Borno State.
“The period under review also witnessed four surrenders by Boko Haram criminals.
“The trio of Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun and Alhaji Usman surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, while one Mustapha Kori, surrendered to troops of Army Super Camp 11, Gamboru, in Ngala LGA of Borno State.
“It is equally heart-warming to note that, during the period, troops rescued 35 captives from the BHTs/ ISWAP criminals.
“Amongst those rescued were 18 women, 16 children and one adult male.
“The rescued children were promptly administered with Polio vaccine, in line with the Buratai Intervention Initiative, while the women were administered with First Aid as required.
“Regrettably, one officer paid the supreme price, while one soldier was wounded in action. The wounded personnel has been evacuated to a military medical facility where he is recuperating”.
