Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on fighting patrol have neutralized nine insurgents and recovered about N5 million ransom money in operations at Magumeri and Gajiram general areas in Borno State.
A statement in Maiduguri on Saturday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, said troops
In continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, troops conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri on Friday.
“The terrorists, reportedly moving on 2 vehicles and 24 foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorizing locals. Acting swiftly, own troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.
“As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.
“After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene,” the statement added
According to the statement, Items recovered from the engagement include:1 x AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), 5 x Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded), 31 x 7.62mm rounds, 1 x Itel mobile phone, 1 x Dagger, while no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by troops during the operation.
In a similar development along the Gajiram – Bolori – Mile 40 – Gajiganna axis, troops on motorcycles engaged Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village where four terrorists were neutralized, while others dispersed into surrounding bush.
“Troops also successfully rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr. Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, along with a sack containing Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000).
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and 2 new Tecno button phones for the release of the captives brother.”
Items recovered in that encounter include1 x Blue pickup vehicle (Reg No: GUB 327 XA), 2 x New Tecno button phones, 1 x Jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a total sum of N4.35 million.
According to the statement, further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.
