Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), joint task force north east, have thwarted a terrorist attack in Borno state, rescuing 86 kidnapped victims and dismantling terrorist camps during a major operation on Sunday.
According to Sani Uba, media information officer for OPHK, the 135 special forces battalion, under sector two, engaged Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents at Dutse Kura.
This followed credible intelligence that civilians and vehicles were being abducted along the Buratai–Kamuya road.
“The troops thwarted the attack, pursued the terrorists towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter near a camp, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray.
“A search of the area led to the discovery of 11 makeshift terrorists’ structures and the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims comprising men, women, and children.
Kidnapped Victims
“Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles.
Bicycles, Logistic Tricycles
AK-47 rifle, Magazines, Ammunition Belts
“The terrorists’ camp was destroyed in situ after clearance operations,” the statement read.
Terrorist Camp
In a related operation at Mangada, troops apprehended 29 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria with several items.
Recovered items include two pickup vans, a tricycle loaded with about 1,000 litres of petrol, four gallons of engine oil, two gun truck tyres, medical consumables, and large quantities of foodstuffs.
Petrol, Engine Oil, Truck Tyres
“All operations were conducted successfully with no casualty on the part of own troops,” Uba said.
The military high command has commended the professionalism and gallantry of the personnel and instructed OPHK to sustain pressure on insurgents across the north east.
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