Nigerian Army on Wednesday said 77 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered themselves to troops of 122 Task Force Battalion.
According to Army spokesperson, Col Sani Usman, they comprised 17 men, 16 women, 16 male children and 28 female children.
He added that the surrendered terrorists have been moved to Yamteke by combined team of 26 Task Force Brigade for preliminary investigation and screening.
Col Usman announced that troops have also arrested a deserter soldier, 03NA/53/3098 Corporal Musa Titima of 117 Task Force Battalion, attached to 114 Task Force Battalion, who absconded from duty while on Operation CRACKDOWN at Bitta.
The soldier was also allegedly involved in a fracas with Mr Salisu Ngatha at Kabang Ward on 30th May 2016 that led to the death of the civilian. The soldier has been moved to the Brigade headquarters for proper investigation and other disciplinary process.
Following tip off by well meaning Nigerians, troops of 7 Division Garrison, conducted clearance patrol at the following villages; Abachari, Asanari, Mediari, Toluwari, Chuwnari, Gaya, Zarumari, Alanari, Shuwari, Ngadaya, Chempo, Samaa, Matari, Utoro and Kayamla in Jere and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State on 31st May 2016.
During the patrol, troops came in contact with members of Boko Haram terrorists group at Samaa village, killing a number of them and recovered 3 motorcycles, 143 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 2 bicycles, 2 bags if mango, 1 tricycle tyre pump 2 water bottles and pellets for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making.
“The morale of troops in the theatre of operations remains very high.
“We would like to reiterate our earlier calls on the public especially in Borno State, to be security conscious and cooperate with the security agencies,” he appealed.