No fewer than 79 terrorists and their collaborators in the North-East have been arrested by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the last two weeks.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the military in Abuja on Thursday.

Danmadami said the troops also eliminated many terrorists in land and air operations and rescued 14 abductees, including two Chibok school girls during the period.

He said the two Chibok girls, Yana Pogu and Rejoice Senki, were rescued with their children.

He stated that they were rescued at Bula Davo village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and at Kawur village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno alongside 12 other abductees.

Danmadami added that the troops arrested 29 Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers in different locations within the period.

According to him, items recovered from them included 50 big bags of dry fish, two big sacks of fried meat, 55 jerry cans of petrol, N2.4 million, and other sundry items.

He stated that the troops also apprehended a suspected ammunition technician at Gorom village in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

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“He had with him 300 empty cases of ammunitions suspected to be used for fabricating 7.62mm special ammunition,” Danmadami disclosed.

The Defence spokesman stated that six suspected terrorists’ informants and collaborators, including a foreigner were arrested at different locations.

“Troops recovered six AK47 rifles, 14 AK47 magazines, one HK gun, one G3 rifle, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special, 285 rustled cattle and eight gallons of petrol within the period in focus.

“Troops also neutralised 19 terrorists, arrested 42 suspected terrorists’ logistics suppliers and rescued three civilians.

“A total of 418 terrorists, including their families, who claimed to have lost interest in the ideology of Boko Haram, surrendered to the military.

“They comprise of 44 adult males, 135 adult females and 239 children.

“All recovered items, and arrested Boko Haram terrorists were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered terrorists and their families are being profiled for further action,” the Defence spokesperson said.

The Star