The Nigerian Army on Tuesday, September 22, foiled a terrorist ambush in Yobe state, arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists and recorded the surrender of 11 others.
The operations were conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), as part of efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and deny them freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
In one of the operations, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged suspected terrorists in an ambush east of Azare Village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe state at about 11:00 p.m.
The troops made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, bringing superior firepower to bear.
During subsequent exploitation of the area, four suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested.
Blood traces observed in the general area indicated possible casualties among the fleeing terrorist elements.
Items recovered from the scene included four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm Special ammunition cases.
The suspects and recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation, while exploitation of the area continues.
In a separate operation, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade’s Garrison arrested nine suspected drug dealers in Buni Yadi, Yobe state, as part of efforts to prevent terrorists from accessing illicit drugs and disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Yobe State Command, on Tuesday.
Speaking during the handover, Major A. Balogun, who represented the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M.S. Mukhtar, said the operation was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s mandate to disrupt terrorist activities and cut off their supply of illicit substances.
“The arrest formed part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating enabling conditions for terrorism and other forms of violent crime,” he said.
The suspects were identified as Hassan Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohammed Shuwa, Adam Jibril Jakadi, Musa Aga, Mohammed Mohammed, Isa Adamu, Usman Salisu, Mohammed Abiso and Buba Kambari.
Exhibits recovered from them included cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine, soak and die, master patch and other illicit drugs.
The Deputy Commander of Operations, NDLEA Yobe State Command, Garba Yakubu, who received the suspects, said the handover reflected the sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the NDLEA.
He said the agency would examine the exhibits and prosecute the offenders in accordance with the law.
“Drugs only destroy their lives. I urge young people to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other productive ventures rather than squander their youth on drug abuse,” he said.
The military also said 11 suspected terrorists surrendered during operations conducted within the period.
Troops further recovered a vehicle, ammunition and other logistics items during the operations as they continued efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and deny them freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.
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