The Defence Headquarters, says the troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated 31 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and arrested 70 of them and their collaborators in the North-East region of the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday while speaking at the bi-weekly press briefing on the operations of the armed forces.

Danmadami, who stated that the feat was recorded in the last two weeks, said out of the 70 arrested in the North-East, 60 of them were terrorists’ logistics suppliers conveying grains, ammunition, and fuel, among others.

The defence spokesman said the troops also rescued two civilian hostages, adding that 366 terrorists and their families surrendered during the period.

He said troops, on October 11, outmanoeuvred terrorists’ ambush in Bama and Ngala areas of Borno State, leading to the killing of 18 terrorists and recovery of cache of arms.

Danmadami stated that the troops countered the terrorists and forced them to flee in disarray, adding that 17 insurgents were neutralised while one GPMG, five AK-47 riffles, one M21 riffle, and 11 motorcycles were recovered from them.

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“Cumulatively, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 14 AK47 rifles, two GPMG, one M21 rifle, one 125mm artillery bomb, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special, six Dane guns, one locally made gun, one vehicle, four mobile phones, five bicycles, and 11 motorcycles.

“Also recovered are 64 bags of beans, five bags of maize, large quantities of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.

“Medical supplies, assorted clothing materials, 46 livestock, the sum of N250,000 and other sundry items,” he said.

The defence spokesman added that the troops in conjunction with the police and Immigration operatives, on October 13, intercepted two suspected fake National Identity Management Commission officials.

According to him, the suspects visited Gagamari IDP camp in Niger Republic to register non-Nigerians in the camp.

He said a national number registration machine, printer, lamination, and computer tracking machines and generator, among others, were recovered from the suspects.

“Consequently, during the weeks in focus, 31 suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members were neutralised, while 10 were arrested and two civilians rescued.

“Furthermore, a total of 366 Boko Haram terrorists and their families comprised of 23 adult males, 112 adult females, and 231 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre.

“All recovered items, arrested terrorists, logistics suppliers, and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

“While the surrendered terrorists and their families are being profiled for further action,” Danmadami said.

The Star