Military Repels ISWAP Assault, Rescues Abductees, Arrest Terrorist Logistics Suppliers in Borno
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded a series of major operational successes across the North-East, including the rescue of abductees, the repulsion of an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, and the recovery of weapons, cash and other items linked to insurgent activities.
The military disclosed that the operations, carried out across Borno and Adamawa states, formed part of its sustained offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, disrupting logistics chains and protecting vulnerable communities in the region.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion on July 7 rescued two abductees during an ongoing Search and Rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have been used to sustain terrorist operations. The rescued victims were evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
In another major operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated assault by ISWAP fighters.
The military said the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense exchange of gunfire before troops regrouped and launched a fierce counter-offensive that inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with gunshot wounds.
However, the operation came at a cost, as one soldier was killed in action, while two military gun trucks and some combat equipment sustained damage.
Operation HADIN KAI said reinforcements had since been deployed to the base, while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures were ongoing to consolidate security at the location.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area. A follow-up operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The suspect and the recovered weapons are in military custody, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Read Also:
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Items recovered from the suspects included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies suspected to have been destined for terrorist camps. The suspects are currently being interrogated.
As part of ongoing clearance operations, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), raided known terrorist enclaves around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
The military said the recovery reflected the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, limiting their freedom of movement and degrading their operational capabilities.
In a related development, six suspected ISWAP members, accompanied by their families, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion under Sector 1.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the group escaped from terrorist enclaves at Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the surrendering suspects included N1.541 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.
Also, troops at the Molai checkpoint intercepted and arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier found transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance. The suspect and the recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, working alongside local hunters, arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
The suspect was intercepted while transporting five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist groups. He is currently undergoing interrogation.
The military said the latest operational achievements highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the growing synergy between Operation HADIN KAI, other security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining search-and-rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
The Theatre Command also warned individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, medical supplies, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistical support to terrorist groups to immediately desist, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
By PRNigeria
