By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a terrorist ambush along the Miyanti–Banki Junction axis in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, killing three insurgents and recovering weapons and an improvised explosive device (IED).
The operation, which took place on Tuesday, also saw two suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrender to troops in Monguno, handing over weapons and other items as military pressure on terrorist groups continues across the North-East.
Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Maiduguri, saying the troops recorded significant successes during separate operations conducted in Bama and Monguno.
According to Goni, troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion were conducting operations along the Main Supply Route between Miyanti and Banki Junction at about 8:30 a.m. when they came under attack from terrorists who detonated an IED before opening heavy gunfire on the soldiers.
He said the troops responded swiftly, fought through the ambush and immediately launched an exploitation operation in the area.
During the encounter, three terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. An additional IED was also recovered and secured.
The military spokesman disclosed that one soldier sustained injuries during the firefight and was evacuated for medical treatment. He said the injured soldier was stable and responding to treatment, while a military gun truck sustained minor damage.
In a separate development, Goni said two suspected ISWAP terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 3 in Monguno at about 8:20 p.m. on the same day.
The surrendered suspects reportedly handed over two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Other items recovered from them included four Android phones, one button phone, earbuds, a power bank, an ATM card, a memory card, a USB cable, two head warmers and a bag.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were among a group of 10 terrorists who had left an ISWAP camp at Arinna Chiki with the intention of surrendering to troops.
However, the group reportedly encountered an ISWAP patrol while on the move, leading to an exchange of fire that scattered its members.
Goni said the whereabouts of the remaining eight members of the group were still unknown, adding that troops had intensified efforts to locate them and determine their status.
He noted that the surrendered suspects, along with the recovered weapons and other items, were in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action.
The military said the latest developments reflected the increasing pressure being mounted on terrorist groups across the theatre of operations, with troops sustaining offensive actions aimed at disrupting insurgent activities, securing communities and encouraging more fighters to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
