By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued two abductees, repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a military base in Borno State, arrested several suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, and recovered weapons, cash and other items in a series of coordinated operations across the North-East.
According to a statement on Thursday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the operations were carried out through intelligence-led missions, search-and-rescue operations and coordinated security efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities in the region.
Goni said troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued the two abductees during a search-and-rescue mission in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7.
He disclosed that troops recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
”The rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support,” he said.
The military also confirmed that troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters.
According to Goni, the terrorists briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the exchange of fire before troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with casualties.
He, however, said one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
”The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops. Reinforcements have been deployed while exploitation operations are ongoing to strengthen the location’s defence,” he added.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.
The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while investigations are continuing to identify other members of the criminal network.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly intended for terrorist elements.
In another operation around Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a clearance operation on suspected terrorist enclaves and recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
Operation HADIN KAI also disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members and their family members surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector 1 after escaping from terrorist enclaves in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the group included N1.541 million, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.
Relatedly, troops arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at Molai checkpoint while transporting large quantities of medical supplies without clearance.