Troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole have rescued seven kidnapped victims abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Hamdaga Makaranta town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
John Enenche, Coordinator Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters disclosed this on Monday in a statement.
Enenche explained that troops of 192 Battalion supported by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole on Sunday, September 6 2 raided the location acting on credible intelligence on the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
“The gallant troops overwhelmed them killing five, while others escaped with gun shots wounds. Troops also cleared nine identified isolated BHT/ISWAP structures and farmlands in the area,” Enenche, a Major General said.
“Furthermore, troops successfully rescued 7 kidnapped victims comprising 2 females and 5 children. Currently the gallant troops have dominated the area with aggressive patrols.”
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested four armed bandits and recovered arms and ammunition during two daring raids at identified bandits’ camps in Nasarawa and Benue states.
Enenche said troops on Sunday, September 6 of deployed at Guma in Benue State and Keana in Nasarawa State conducted a dawn raid at identified armed bandits’ camp at Guma forest along the Benue-Nasarawa border following actionable intelligence reports on the location of the camp.
“Adopting an aggressive posture and profile, the gallant troops stormed the location and engaged the bandits in a firefight, overwhelming them with superior fire,” he said.
“In the process, troops neutralized one bandit while others fled with gunshot wounds into the forest. Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, one locally made pistol and three mobile phones at the scene while the camp was subsequently destroyed.”
He also said troops of Sector 1 deployed at Gagbe in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State conducted another dawn raid on another suspected armed bandits’ hideout at Tse Agi in the general area.
“The gallant troops stormed the hideout and apprehended 4 suspects at the scene while one AK 47 rifle, 2 AK-47 rifle magazines and 46 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition were also recovered at the location.”
“The hideout was subsequently destroyed while the suspects are currently being profiled after which they will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency for further action.”