Troops Rescue 53 More Hostages, Kill Two Terrorists, Arrest One

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
The Nigerian troops deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole have rescued 53 more people from Boko Haram captivity, killed two terrorists and arrested another one.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement yesterday, said the troops of 114 Task Force Battalion of 28 Task Force Brigade, embarked on aggressive patrol to dominate and secure the road linking Izge and Bitta. During the operation, the patrol came across 43 persons that escaped from one of the Boko Haram terrorists hideout in Madube.

Usman said the escapees comprised of 10 men, 14 women and 19 children.
According to him, the freed hostages are currently being screened and profiled at the Battalion Headquarters (DHQ).
Similarly, he said, troops from 115 Task Force Battalion of the same Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilante groups, also carried out patrols to Pegana, Joma, Wambiyar, Dille, Pumpum, Zah, Miya and Pugula communities and cleared them of Boko Haram terrorists.

The Army spokesman also said that some elements of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Monday, arrested and handed over a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, named Garba Thlama Mussa to the unit.
He said the suspect is currently being interrogated and would be handed over to Joint Intelligence Committee.
Usman further stated that the troops of 117 Battalion also carried out patrol within Mubi North and Mubi South to ensure general security of the areas.

The same unit, he noted, also provided security to Adamawa State boundaries adjustment committee during their visit to Kwaja village in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
In the same vein, the DAPR said the troops of 143 Battalion also carried out patrol in Bebel, Fattude, Teddei, Hyambula and Sukur.
“We are pleased to state that the troops in that axis are in high spirit determined to continue doing the nation proud.

“The story is the same in 22 Brigade area of operations as troops from 3 Battalion also conducted foot and mobile patrols towards Diema, Tatakura and Kala villages in which they had contact with Boko Haram terrorists and killed two of them and recovered some dangerous weapons,” he stated.

Similarly, he said, troops from 22 Brigade Garrison in conjunction with a detachment of Nigeria Custom Services personnel conducted patrol along Dikwa-Mafa-Maiduguri road to keep it safe.

Usman also assured that the security situation kept improving in the North-east especially in the liberated and cleared areas, other security and para-military agencies have started redeploying back to their locations.
He stated: “It was to this end that the Nigerian Immigration Service has also deployed its personnel in Dikwa. The 21 personnel were received and briefed at the Headquarters 22 Brigade Garrison.

“The team is undergoing training on mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) awareness and ground signs before they commence work.

In a related development, the troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, intercepted 14 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) which include three men, three women, six male children and two female children coming to Dikwa from Chingowa village. The IDPs were screened by the troops and the Civilian JTF at the area and then handed over to Dikwa IDP Coordinator for further screening, registration and rehabilitation.”

Sadly, Usman said, an administrative patrol was ambushed from 12 kilometres to Gwoza. Unfortunately three soldiers and 13 other civilians were wounded.
“All of the wounded have been evacuated to 21 Brigade Medical Reception Station. They are all in stable condition and responding to treatment,” he assured.