Nigerian troops deployed in
Borno State have rescued
several abducted persons,
arrested suspected Boko Haram
terrorists, and recovered
weapons and equipment, the
army said in a statement.
The troops of 81 Battalion and
251 Task Force Battalion, 25
Task Force Brigade on Monday
received 79 persons who
claimed to have been kept
captives by Boko Haram
terrorists at Ngwalimiri village
but escaped at their location.
They comprised 12 men, 24
women, 31 children and 12
infants. All of them are
undergoing preliminary
investigation and screening to
determine their status before
onward movement to Internally
Displaced Persons camp for
rehabilitation, the statement
said.
“In furtherance of the efforts to
keep Bitta-Damboa road open
and secure to commuters, troops
of 28 Task Force Brigade have
cleared Bulajani, Mulgwo and
Muotu villages of remnants of
Boko Haram elements.
“During an encounter at Moutu
specifically, a soldier sustained
an injury on the forehead, while
5 Boko Haram terrorists were
killed by the troops, while a few
others were suspected to escape
with gun shot wounds. The
troops recovered 3 locally made
guns.
“The advancing troops linked up
with their counterparts of 25
Task Force Brigade at Gombori
village and rescued 157 persons
escaping from Boko Haram
terrorists captivity. The rescued
persons comprised 47 women,
91 children, 19 men. They are
currently undergoing
preliminary investigation and
thorough screening to also
determine their status.
“In a related development 77
Boko Haram terrorists have
surrendered themselves to
troops of 122 Task Force
Battalion. They comprised 17
men, 16 women, 16 male
children and 28 female
children. The surrendered
terrorists have been moved to
Yamteke by combined team of
26 Task Force Brigade for preliminary
investigation and screening.
“Troops have also arrested a deserter
soldier, 03NA/53/3098 Corporal Musa Titima
of 117 Task Force Battalion, attached to 114
Task Force Battalion, who absconded from
duty while on Operation CRACKDOWN at
Bitta. The soldier was also allegedly
involved in a fracas with Mr Salisu Ngatha
at Kabang Ward on 30th May 2016 that led
to the death of the civilian. The soldier has
been moved to the Brigade headquarters for
proper investigation and other disciplinary
process,” the statement said.
