Troops rescue abductees, repel ISWAP attack, arrest terror suspects in North-East

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued two abductees, repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists on a military base in Borno State and arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in separate operations across the North-East.

The development was contained in a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued the two abductees during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7.

The operation also led to the recovery of N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

The military said the rescued victims had been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.

In a separate operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Logomani, in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters.

The troops reportedly regrouped after the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties.

The military, however, said one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and other combat equipment were damaged.

The statement added that troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, recovering cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist elements.

Troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, also recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs during a clearance operation around Wulgo after suspected terrorists fled the area.

The military further disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Recovered items included N1.541 million, two mobile phones and other materials.

In another operation, troops intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Molai checkpoint in Borno State and in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, recovering medical supplies and five motorcycle tyres allegedly intended for terrorist groups.

Operation HADIN KAI said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks, rescue abductees and sustain pressure on insurgents across the North-East.