By Ado Oyeyemi
Six suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), accompanied by their family members, have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State as the military intensified its counterterrorism campaign across the North-East.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday while outlining recent operational achievements recorded by troops in the theatre.
According to Goni, preliminary findings indicated that the surrendered suspects escaped from the Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide terrorist enclaves located in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area.
He stated that the latest breakthrough reflects the sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions and search-and-rescue efforts being carried out to weaken terrorist networks and deny insurgents operational freedom across the region.
In a separate operation conducted on July 7, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion operating in Askira/Uba Local Government Area successfully rescued two additional kidnap victims from a terrorist hideout during an ongoing search-and-rescue mission.
The troops also recovered N1.2 million, believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, alongside food items and other logistics suspected to have been used in supporting terrorist operations.
The rescued victims have since been moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.
Goni further disclosed that troops of the 192 Battalion recovered N1,541,500 in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other items from the surrendered ISWAP members and their families.
The military also arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint after he was intercepted with a large quantity of medical supplies allegedly being transported without the necessary clearance.
The suspect remains in custody for further investigation.
In another development, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area, successfully repelled a coordinated attack launched by ISWAP fighters.
Although the insurgents briefly penetrated part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the fierce exchange of gunfire, the troops quickly reorganised and launched a counterattack, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists and forcing the surviving fighters to retreat with gunshot wounds.
The military, however, confirmed that one soldier lost his life during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.
Despite the attack, Goni assured that the base remains under the full control of Operation Hadin Kai troops, adding that reinforcements have been deployed while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures are ongoing.
Elsewhere in Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion acting on credible intelligence arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area. Follow-up operations led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend 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.
Items recovered from the suspects included cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies believed to have been intended for terrorist groups. Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
As part of sustained offensive operations, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted clearance operations around known terrorist hideouts in Wulgo. During the exercise, they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
In Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, also arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
The suspect was apprehended while transporting five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist elements.
Goni said the recent operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated military offensives, actionable intelligence and collaboration between security agencies and local support groups in disrupting terrorist logistics and enhancing security across the North-East.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to continue search-and-rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
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The military also warned individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, building materials, transportation or any form of logistical support to terrorist groups to desist, stressing that anyone found aiding insurgents, either directly or indirectly, would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
