Fleeing Boko Haram terrorists abandoned 72 family members - Defence Headquarters

The defence headquarters has disclosed that some Boko Haram insurgents who fled during military offensives launched in Ngala, Ngala local government area of Borno, abandoned 72 family members. 

Coordinator of defence media operation, John Eneche who made the announcement on Friday May 15, also disclosed that 11 insurgents surrendered to troops in Adamawa on May 11.

Eneche said; 

“There are indications that more terrorists are willing to surrender. 

“One of such moves, was the dropping off of 72 family members of BHTs/ISWAP comprising 33 women and 39 children at the entrance of Ngala town in Ngala local government area of Borno on May 10 at about 8.30 pm.

“A total of 72 persons were also rescued from the Boko Haram terrorists. Also, on May 9, troops of 121 task force battalion, at Pulka-Ngurosoye, near Bama town repelled BHT ambush and killed 20 terrorists, while on escort duty.

“On May 13, OPLD troops killed nine terrorists in an ambush at Mainok–Jakana axis in Kaga local government area of Borno. Two gun trucks mounted with anti-aircraft gun were captured.

“In all 61 BHT/ISWAP criminals were neutralised in the theatre aside from those that escaped with gunshot wounds with narrow chances of survival.”

Eneche also revealed that troops of 144 battalion, 82 task force battalion, 26 task force brigade and 271 task force tank battalion also killed 18 insurgents in operations launched in Gamboru Ngala, Firgi Mubi – Kamale Road in Michika local government area of Adamawa as well as Ngoshe near the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the past one week.

Three suicide bombers who attempted to infiltrate defence location at Uvaha high ground area in Limankara, Gwoza local government area of Borno were also neutralized by troops on May 8. 

Eneche added that the de-radicalisation of ex-insurgents under Operation Safe Corridor had recorded tremendous success as 280 repentant insurgents have successfully undergone the programme and reintegrated into the society. 25 de-radicalized members of the terrorist group were repatriated to Niger Republic.