Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have intensified operations against terrorist groups in Yobe State, foiling a suspected terrorist movement in a night ambush and arresting four suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
The military also disclosed that 11 terrorists surrendered to troops between September 15 and 22 as sustained counter-terrorism operations continue across the state.
Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), mounted an ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State at about 11:00 p.m. on September 21.
The operation, which targeted suspected terrorist movement in the area, resulted in the arrest of four suspects, according to the military.
The latest development comes amid intensified efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist activities, restrict their freedom of movement and encourage the surrender of insurgents operating in the North-East.
“Troops made contact with suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight with superior firepower.
“During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops arrested 4 suspected terrorists. Blood traces observed in the general area indicate possible casualties among the fleeing terrorist elements,” Goni said.
Items recovered include four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases.
Similarly, troops of the Brigade arrested nine suspected drug dealers during a routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on September 19.
Goni said the suspects were found in possession of a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and N85,900. They have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
The Army said the cumulative successes recorded between September 15 and 22, including the surrender of 11 terrorists and recovery of a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items, reflect the impact of sustained operational pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks.
“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining operational momentum, disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and denying them freedom of action across the North East,” the statement further reads.
