3 Surrender, Many Killed As Nigerian Troops Continue Onslaught Against Boko Haram Insurgents In North East

The continued offensive operations of the Nigeria troops in the North East led to more members of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed, while many others surrendered.

In a statement on Friday, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche disclosed that on Tuesday, June 2 three Boko Haram Insurgents, namely: Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun and Alhaji Usman, surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.

“The trio confessed to having escaped from their Boko Haram Camp in Dabulari Village, Bama LGA of Borno State after a heavy artillery bombardment of the Camp by troops that led to the death of many of their erstwhile colleagues,” Enenche noted.

“During interrogation, they confessed regretting their actions and called on their former colleagues to give up the struggle and save themselves from unprofitable death.”

He also revealed that troops of Army Super Camp 6, Konduga in Borno, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, killed six terrorists in an ambush operation at Lawanti River line on Wednesday, June 3.

The coordinator further disclosed that the combined troops of 19 Brigade and 401 Special Forces Brigade conducted a robust clearance operation at Doron Naira and Magaji on June 2 and recovered items, including one 120mm Mortar base plate, one religious book, metal links for-Aircraft ammunition and a roll of copper wire abandoned by the terrorists in Doran Naira.

He explained that the troops, through superior fire, killed nine terrorists at Daban Magaji encounter, adding that the troops destroyed one Boko Haram Gun Truck as well as captured one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 2 AK 47 Rifles, and a large cache of Anti-Aircraft ammunition.

“However, one officer paid the supreme price while one soldier was wounded in action,” he noted.

“The soldier wounded in action is currently receiving treatment in our military medical facility.

“Similarly, on June 1, troops of 144 Battalion deployed in Madagali, Adamawa State briskly cleared BHT Staging Area and Crossing Points at Lemu, Gajinji and Tsakiraku.

“During the encounter at Gajinji, troops neutralised one terrorist and arrested 2 adult females namely: Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate identified to be the local BHT commander’s wives.”

In the North West that has been plagued by incessant bandits attack, Enenche disclosed that troops of ‘Operation WHIRL PUNCH’ raided a bandits’ camp at Kurmin Dande in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

He explained that the troops acted on credible information, adding that 2 of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“2 Dane guns, 2 motorcycles, one locally fabricated short gun, 4 cutlasses, 3 cell phones, 2 small solar panels and some clothing items” were recovered by the troops before destroying their camp.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai congratulated the gallant troops for their “resilience, courage and dedication to the noble cause of defending our fatherland”.

The Armed Forces High Command also encouraged the troops to continue to be steadfast and focused as they sustain the onslaught against the enemies of the nation.