SIX suspected commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), alongside members of their families, have surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, in one of several operational successes recorded by the military across the North-East.
News Point Nigeria reports that the latest operations also led to the rescue of abducted victims, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, the recovery of cash, weapons and illicit drugs, as well as the repulsion of a coordinated terrorist attack, although one soldier lost his life during the fierce gun battle.
The developments were disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops recovered more than N1.5 million, two Tecno mobile phones and other items from the six surrendered ISWAP suspects and their families.
The military also announced that troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion, while conducting ongoing search-and-rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, rescued two additional abductees from a terrorist hideout.
During the rescue operation, the troops recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving appropriate medical care and psychosocial support.
The statement further disclosed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a military position in Borno State, although one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the engagement.
According to the military, although the insurgents briefly breached a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops quickly regrouped, launched a determined counter-offensive and decisively pushed back the attackers.
The operation, it added, inflicted significant casualties on the terrorists, forcing the surviving insurgents to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement.”
The military, however, assured that the situation has been brought under control.
“The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location,” the statement added.
In another operational breakthrough, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Follow-up operations led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody, while investigations continue 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.
Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies suspected to have been destined for terrorist elements.
The suspects are undergoing interrogation, while the recovered items remain in military custody pending further investigation.
As part of sustained offensive operations, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a clearance operation on known terrorist enclaves around Wulgo.
During the operation, the troops exploited the terrorists’ hasty withdrawal and recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
According to the military, the recovery further demonstrates the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist groups, denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their operational capabilities.
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while he was allegedly transporting large quantities of medical supplies without the required clearance.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody for further interrogation.
Also, in Sector 2 Area of Responsibility, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, working with local hunters, intercepted and arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area with five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist elements.
The suspect and the recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue.
The military said the latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and the seamless collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting vulnerable communities across the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai also assured Nigerians that search-and-rescue operations would continue relentlessly until every abducted person is safely reunited with their families.
The Theatre Command further issued a stern warning to individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups, urging them to desist immediately.
It warned that anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.