TROOPS of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified counter-insurgency operations across parts of Borno and Yobe states, killing suspected terrorists, arresting collaborators and logistics suppliers, while recording fresh surrenders linked to insurgent groups.
News Point Nigeria reports that details of the operations were contained in the Defence Headquarters’ report covering May 15 to 21, released on its X handle on Sunday.
According to the military, troops deployed to Kirawa carried out clearance operations on May 15 through Valle general area, Ashigashiya and Gakara in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where two terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire.
The report added that on May 16, troops working alongside local hunters raided insurgent logistics networks at Kwayar Kusar Market in Kwayar Kusar LGA.
During the operation, four suspected cattle rustlers and collaborators were arrested while allegedly attempting to sell six cows on behalf of insurgents.
The military said sustained offensives and pressure on terrorist enclaves have continued to trigger fresh surrenders by fighters and their relatives.
It noted that on May 17, an adult male relative of a terrorist fled the Kwatara enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Gwoza LGA, citing severe hardship and mounting military pressure.
Further surrenders were also recorded on May 19 in Dikwa LGA, where two adult women and seven minors reportedly turned themselves in to troops.
Another woman, identified as Alisha Sale, also reportedly surrendered separately in Dikwa town on the same day.
On May 20, troops conducting routine security checks in Lawanti town near Baga in Kukawa LGA arrested a female suspect accused of supplying ready-to-use supplementary food and hijabs to her son, Modu Mustapha, whom the military described as a notorious terrorist commander operating in Mobbar LGA.
The same day, a 20-year-old suspect identified as Babakaka Bukar surrendered to troops at the Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Nganzai LGA. He reportedly handed over an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a mobile phone.
The military also disclosed that troops at Bama checkpoint on May 21 arrested another suspected logistics supplier allegedly transporting food items and other materials intended for insurgents.
In neighbouring Yobe State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition said to have been abandoned by fleeing terrorists, according to the report.