Troops rescue 2 abductees, recover #1.2m in Borno

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued two abductees in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities,

According to a statement by the military, the troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion embarked on the rescue operation on July 7 recovering food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

According to the statement, the rescued victims have been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.

In a separate operation, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists.

The military disclosed that although the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, the troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.

One soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.

Meanwhile, troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The arrest led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The suspect is 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.

Items recovered from the suspects include cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist elements.

The military said the suspects are undergoing interrogation while investigations continue.

Also, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a clearance operation around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing terrorists.

The military said the operations form part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorists freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics networks and restore security across the North-East.