Molly Kilete, Abuja
Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole eliminated 75 Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in 17 encounters within the North-East theatre of operation in June, Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Sunday, said the sustained onslaught by the troops also resulted in surrendering of a number of insurgents during the month.
He added that the encounters also led to the capture of assorted arms and large cache of ammunition, including one anti-aircraft gun, 13 AK-47 rifles, one sniper rifle, 21 locally made guns, two dane guns and one rocket propelled gun.
Other items recovered , according to him, were three hand grenades, five rocket propelled gun bombs, 205 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition and 1,018 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“Also captured were two Boko Haram criminals’ flags,” he said. “In the same vein, one gun truck, one vehicle borne Improvised Explosive Device, one Toyota Starlet car and several makeshift structures belonging to the terrorists were destroyed by the valiant troops within the period.
“Regrettably, one officer paid the supreme price while one soldier was wounded in action. The wounded personnel has since been evacuated to a military medical facility where he is recuperating.”
Enenche further disclosed that four terrorists, including two women, Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate, identified as wives of the local Boko Haram commander at Gajingi in Madagali area of Adamawa, were captured during the period.
He added that the troops also arrested one Boko Haram spy named Kawalu, in Michika while another Boko Haram fighter was captured in an encounter at Miyanti general area in Bama area of Borno.
According to him, the period under review also witnessed four surrenders by Boko Haram criminals.
“The trio of Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun and Alhaji Usman surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area, Pulka, in Gwoza, while one Mustapha Kori surrendered to troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru, Ngala, in Borno. It is equally heart-warming to note that during the period, troops rescued 35 persons from the captivity of BHTs/ISWAP criminals.