Troops Foil ISWAP Ambush in Borno, Nab 2 Suspected B’Haram Suppliers in Yobe
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded fresh operational successes, foiling an ambush by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State and arresting two alleged Boko Haram logistics suppliers in neighbouring Yobe State.
Security sources disclosed that the ambush was thwarted at about 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 16 when troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with Vigilante Forces, engaged insurgents near Papa 7 in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.
According to the sources, the terrorists were attempting to move along the CM to NG axis when the troops, who had laid in wait, sprung a counter-ambush, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray under sustained enfilade fire.
Following the encounter, troops recovered a Honda motorcycle, three bicycles, 84 cans of Amasco engine oil, two sacks of fresh Quick juice, and four gallons of groundnut oil believed to be part of the insurgents’ supplies.
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A limited exploitation of the area was conducted after the firefight, while a comprehensive search is expected once troops fully occupy picquet positions. The sources noted that troops have maintained heightened surveillance and an aggressive posture to deny insurgents freedom of action within their Area of Responsibility.
In a related development, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion deployed at Rabangida in the Dapchi–Geidam general area of Yobe State arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers during a snap checkpoint operation at about 12:00 p.m. on Feb. 15.
The suspects, identified as Goni Abba, 30, and Ali Bukar, 30, both from Areyanari village in Yunusari Local Government Area, were intercepted while conveying assorted foodstuffs and household items allegedly meant for insurgents.
Items recovered from them include ₦33,150 in cash, one Android phone, and a blue tricycle with registration number TMW-426WB loaded with bags of sugar, flour and rice, cartons of beverages, soaps, detergents, spaghetti, macaroni, cooking oil, sweets, matches and other consumables.
Troops subsequently combed the surrounding area but made no additional arrests.
The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for profiling and further investigation.
Military authorities reaffirmed that sustained operations across the North East theatre would continue to dismantle insurgents’ logistics networks and further restrict their operational capabilities.
By PRNigeria
