Six ISWAP fighters, families surrender as troops rescue abducted victims in Borno

Six suspected fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to Nigerian troops alongside their family members during ongoing military operations in Borno State.
The surrender was confirmed by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Mohammed Goni, in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to him, preliminary findings showed that the group fled terrorist hideouts in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide communities located in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza local government area.

Goni said troops have continued offensive operations across the North-East, recording successes through intelligence-led missions, search-and-rescue efforts and coordinated security operations.

He disclosed that soldiers of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two more kidnap victims during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area on July 7.

The troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, along with food supplies and other materials believed to have supported terrorist operations.

The rescued victims have since been moved to a secure location for medical treatment and psychosocial care.

Goni added that troops recovered N1,541,500, two Tecno mobile phones and other items from the six surrendered suspects and their family members.

The military also arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint after he was found transporting a large quantity of medical supplies without the required clearance.

In another operation, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Logomani, Ngala local government area, repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP fighters.

Although the attackers briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, Goni said the soldiers regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the insurgents to retreat with casualties.

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers were damaged during the engagement,” Goni said.

He added that reinforcements had been deployed to the base while measures were being taken to strengthen its defence.

Elsewhere, troops arrested a suspected criminal in Gombi local government area of Adamawa State and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of ammunition.

In Mobbar local government area of Borno State, two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were also arrested. Security operatives recovered cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies believed to have been intended for terrorist groups.

During a separate clearance operation around Wulgo, troops working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.

Goni said the recent operations reflected the effectiveness of sustained military offensives and intelligence gathering in disrupting terrorist activities across the North-East.

“Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai assures the public that ongoing search-and-rescue operations will continue with unwavering resolve until every abducted person is accounted for and safely reunited with their families.”

He also warned that anyone found supplying food, fuel, building materials, transport or other forms of support to terrorist groups would be arrested and prosecuted under the law.