Troops rescue abductees, repel ISWAP attack in Borno, arrest suspect

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded series of significant successes through relentless Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, intelligence-led missions and coordinated security efforts aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of action.

According to a statement on Thursday by the Nigerian Army, on July 7, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion conducting search-and-rescue operations in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State rescued two abductees from a terrorist hideout.

“Soldiers recovered cash of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,200,000.00), food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

“The rescued victims were evacuated to a secure location and are receiving medical care and psychosocial support,” the statement noted.

The Army said forces deployed at Forward Operating Base Logomani in Ngala LGA, under Sector One, successfully contained a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters.

Although insurgents “briefly exploited a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight,” troops rapidly regrouped, counter-attacked and expelled the assailants, inflicting significant casualties and forcing survivors to flee wounded.

The statement confirmed one soldier was killed, two gun trucks and some combat enablers were damaged, and reinforcements and exploitation operations have been deployed to consolidate the base’s defenses.

In Adamawa State, troops of 232 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspect in Gombi LGA and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and twenty-eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The suspect and the weapons are in military custody as investigations continue.

Similarly, 149 Battalion arrested two alleged logistics suppliers in Mobbar LGA of Borno State, seizing cash, a Volkswagen Golf, construction materials, household items and other supplies said to be destined for terrorist elements.

The suspects are undergoing interrogation while recovered items remain in custody.

The statement also described a clearance operation by 24 Task Force Brigade with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force around Wulgo, during which troops capitalised on a hasty insurgent withdrawal and recovered a sack of assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing fighters.

The Army said the recoveries and arrests demonstrate continued pressure on terrorist networks and efforts to deny them freedom of movement.