Troops neutralise 16 ISWAP terrorists, rescue 11 victims in Borno offensive

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian troops have neutralised 16 ISWAP terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated counter-offensive operations in the Gidan Kaji axis of Borno State.

The operation followed a failed midnight attack by ISWAP fighters on the Forward Operating Base, Auno, on Feb. 5, which was decisively repelled by troops of Sector 1 with superior firepower, media officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Lt.-Col. Sani Uba said in a statement on Wednesday.

Uba said the troops, in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a follow-up offensive on Feb. 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.

According to him, troops pursued the fleeing terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralising 16 of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He listed items recovered during the operation include over 20 bicycles, weapons and a large cache of logistics supplies believed to be critical to the terrorists’ operations.

Uba added that in a related development, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying large quantities of drugs intended for the terrorists around the Bukarti axis of Borno State.

“Meanwhile, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road after swiftly responding to suspicious movements in the area.

He said two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai of Borno State.

Uba further revealed that troops, responding to a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis rescued nine kidnapped victims on the same day.

He said the operations underscore OPHK’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistics corridors and ensure the protection of civilians across the North East. (NAN)