24 relatives of ISWAP terrorists surrender to troops in Borno

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The Nigerian Army says a total of 24 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno.

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The piece of information is in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

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The report indicated that the terrorists’ family members surrendered at about 4 p.m. on Thursday to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion.

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It added that the group fled the Gasuwa and Yaganari terrorist enclaves following clashes between rival factions within the terrorist organisation.

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It noted that the surrendered family members had been profiled and documented by the troops for further action.

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It further revealed that troops of 212 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), had in another operation, apprehended two suspects during a raid in Bewac general area.

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The report added that the operation was conducted along Al-Ansar University Road in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council based on human intelligence about suspected terrorist activities.

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“Troops arrested one suspect in possession of a magazine loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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“The suspect claimed he received the magazine and ammunition from another civilian, who was subsequently arrested by the troops.

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“A mobile phone was recovered from the second suspect, while both suspects and exhibits remained in military custody for further investigation,” it said.

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The report also revealed that troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment and CJTF arrested a suspected ISWAP logistics supplier and informant in Kekura, Damboa Local Government Area.

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It added that the suspect was arrested at his residence following intelligence linking him to the supply of food items and mobile phones to terrorist camps.

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“Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled a kidnapping incident at Jurawa Village in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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“The troops responded to a distress call after a female resident was abducted by suspected kidnappers at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.”

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The report also revealed that locals had killed and mutilated the corpses of five suspected kidnappers before troops arrived, while other terrorists fled after abandoning their victim.

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Troops, therefore, warned residents against taking the law into their hands and assured them of continued efforts to protect law-abiding citizens.

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In Plateau, the report said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered an AK-47 rifle after arresting a woman attempting to flee with two magazines.

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It said the troops had raided Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in Bassa Local Government Area following intelligence on the kidnapping of a civilian.

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According to the report, further searches led to recovery of a locally fabricated firearm, three mobile phones and a military jungle hat from another residence.

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“In another operation, troops recovered 20 rustled cattle at Dila Village in Pankshin Local Government Area after engaging suspected rustlers, who fled the area.

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“The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their owner.”

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In the South-South, the report said the troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe arrested three suspected cultists over alleged murder in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta.

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It added that suspects were arrested during a raid on Sunfit Hotel, Owhelogbo, and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.

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“Also in Rivers, troops arrested two suspects conveying about 125 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in sack bags.

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“The suspects were apprehended at Ebocha general area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area during a patrol by troops of CIB VIII.

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“The suspects remained in custody, while the recovered products were handled in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,” the report added.

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(NAN)

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