Fleeing Boko Haram fighters, family members arrested in Borno

Some suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists have been arrested with members of their families by troops of the 151 Taskforce in Borno State.

The insurgents were allegedly fleeing when they were apprehended by troops on the outskirts of Aza and Bula Daloye villages in Bama Local Government Area of the state.

Army Public Relations Director Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu identified the suspects as 11 adults (all male).

In a statement, the Army spokesman informed that the insurgents were escaping from their enclaves, following continuous bombardment of their hideouts by troops of the battalion.

The statement reads: “In a concerted effort to ensure terrorists are cleared within their area of responsibility,   troops of 151 Task Force  Battalion recently staged an ambush operation  on an identified terrorists’ crossing point along Banki Junction – Miyanti road to prevent movement of terrorists’ logistics and replenishment.

“At the ambush site, the vigilant troops came in contact with the unsuspecting terrorists and neutralised three BHTs, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“In a separate operation, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion (Bn) in 21 Special Brigade area of operational responsibility on 15 July, 2021 arrested suspected members of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who surrendered to troops along with their families, while fleeing their enclaves, following continuous bombardment of their hideouts by troops of the Battalion.”

“The escaping terrorists and their families were arrested at the outskirts of Aza and Bula Daloye villages in Bama local Government area of Borno State by troops of the Battalion on fighting patrol at Miyanti and Darajamel. The arrested suspects comprised of eleven adult male terrorists, five adult females and twelve children.

“The troops also recovered 27 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, 3 AK 47 rifle magazines and a black fragmental Jacket from the suspects. They are currently undergoing preliminary investigations.

“In a separate operation on July 17,  2021, troops of 7 Division Garrison in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF, acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested Boko Haram informants and logistics suppliers, during a cordon and search operation in Lawanti and Gongolun Communities of Jere Local Government area of Borno state.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to have been working as informants for the terrorists, whom they provide with  information on troops’ movements,  locations,  deployments,  strength, calibre of weapons and other activities.

“They also admitted to having supplied the terrorists with basic logistics for their daily survival, ranging from Petroleum Oil and Lubricant (POL), drugs, mosquito nets,  kolanuts, recharge cards and food stuff. The suspects also disclosed that they were remunerated by the terrorists with proceeds made from selling dismantled old motorcycle parts to dealers in order to fund their purchases.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has commended the proactiveness of the troops in the ongoing clearance operations.  He charged them to maintain the tempo and ensure the terrorists are smoked out of their enclaves.”