Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters suffer defeat as troops intensify clearance operations

The Nigerian Army says scores of Boko Haram and Islamic State in the West African Province ISWAP have suffered humiliating defeats in Damboa, Borno State and Garkida in Adamawa State in the hands of the troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE as troops continue to sustain their operations with more debilitating defeat of the terrorists.

In a statement Media Coordinator of Nigerian Army Operations Centre, Col Aminu Iliyasu said evidently, the devasting defeat suffered by the criminal insurgents has continued to widen the cracks and animosities exposed recently within the ranks and files of the Boko Haram criminal Sect on the one hand and between it and its rival splinter Sect, the so-called on the other, while also providing the troops with the much needed tonic to continuing to decimate the terrorists in a bid to expeditiously end their obnoxious activities.

”In the same vein, armed bandits, kidnappers and other sundry criminals are finding it increasingly difficult to operate across the country as Nigerian Army troops continue to step up their anti-banditry operations across the NC and NW Regions in particular.” Iliyasu said.

Consequently, on 11 March 2020, the gallant troops of Strong Response Area Gubio successfully repelled a Boko Haram criminals’ attack. During the encounter, troops dealt a decisive blow on the marauding criminals, neutralized 2 of them and captured one AK 47 Rifle.

Subsequent exploitation by the troops along the withdrawal route of the insurgents in the early hours of 12 March 2020 led to the discovery of additional 5 Boko Haram criminals’ shattered bodies resulting from the encounter, one burnt Boko Haram terrorists Gun Truck, one PKT Machine Gun, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 67 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Furthermore, on the same 5 March 2020, 2 Boko Haram terrorists, Musa Mohammed (21 years) and Maina Liman (35 years) surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion deployed at Tashan Goto in Bama LGA of Borno State. The surrendered terrorists confessed that they worked for the Nakib (a Boko Haram Captain) at Bula Umar Village. The troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 2 AK 47 Rifle Magazines and 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition from the surrendered terrorists.

”The surrendered criminals further revealed that a number of their erstwhile members were killed by troops in recent times while others are left wandering in the forest and willing to surrender to troops of the Nigerian Army as they are tired of life without meaning.

”They also regretted their involvement in the act of insurgency while calling on their former collaborators to also take the bold step to renounce and submit themselves to the authorities of the Nigerian Army.” He said.

In a related development, on 8 March 2020, another Boko Haram Terrorist, Bulama Modu Zantaliye  surrendered to troops of 151 Battalion deployed at Strong Response Area Banki Junction.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the surrendered terrorist belongs to the Shekau faction. He also calls on his former colleagues to tow the path of sanity and surrender themselves to troops of the Nigerian Army as their safety and security are guaranteed.