By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of Operation HADIN KAI operating in the North East have killed 73 Boko Haram terrorists and rescue 55 escapees from Boko- Haram captivity between 18 and 30 June 2021.
Director, Defence Media Operations Brig.-Gen Bernard Onyeuku who stated this Thursday while briefing journalists on the update of military operations across the country, said those rescued includes 15 adult males, 12 adult females and 27 children.
He said troops also recovered 44 AK 47 rifles, 2 PKT, 7 Ant Aircraft guns, 7 gun trucks, several ammunition of different calibre as well as weapon cleaning materials, clothing, blankets, foodstuffs, vehicles, generators from the terrorists.
He said: “Between 18 and 30 June 2021, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Nort-east zone simultaneously conducted several land and air operations. These were clearance operations and aggressive fighting patrols to deny terrorists freedom of movement at different locations.
“Similarly, troops conducted ambush operations as well as responded to distress calls, repelled BHT elements attacks on troops’ locations and dominated the theatre of operations. Equally, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted series of Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and air interdiction missions to reveal and destroy terrorists’ enclaves as well as their logistic supplies and equipment.
Continuing, he said, “Within the period, troops consistently struck BHT/ISWAP strongholds throughout the theatre of operation. Some of the feats were achieved at Bula Village in Yobe state and Banki town in Borno state on 27 and 28 June 2021 when troops repelled terrorists’ attacks. Troops also conducted offensive deep penetration operations into villages of the Timbuktu Triangle within the period.
“During the offensives, several terrorists were killed and many equipment and weapons were captured. A total of 73 BHT were killed with 44 AK 47 rifles, 2 PKT, 7 Ant Aircraft guns, 7 gun trucks, several ammunition of different calibre as well as weapon cleaning materials, clothing, blankets, foodstuffs, vehicles, generators, IED materials, religious scripts and other items were recovered in the process. “In another development on 27 June, a total of 55 escapees from terrorists’ camps comprising 15 adult males, 12 adult females and 27 children surrendered to own troops at Darajemel in Borno state”
