…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
According to a statement released by Major General Musa Danmadami, the Director of Defence Media Operations, a total of 511 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members have surrendered to the Nigerian Army in recent operations in the Northern region of the country.
The statement, disclosed on May 18, provides details of the operations conducted by the troops.
During the operations, one of the significant developments was the rescue of a Chibok schoolgirl.
The young lady identified herself as one of the female teenagers abducted in 2014 from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.
The statement revealed that out of the surrendered terrorists and their family members, there were 99 adult males, 161 adult females, and 251 children.
Additionally, the troops neutralized 26 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, arrested 25 terrorists’ logistics suppliers, one terrorist’s spy, and one Boko Haram terrorist.
All the recovered items, apprehended suspects, and the rescued Chibok schoolgirl have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
The surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP fighters have been profiled and handed over to the appropriate authority.
In the North East zone, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted offensive and clearance operations in various locations within Borno State, resulting in significant achievements.
Fierce encounters with Boko Haram terrorists/ISWAP led to the neutralization of 15 terrorists, recovery of a wide array of weapons and ammunition, and the rescue of kidnapped civilians, including a Chibok schoolgirl.
North Central Zone: Clampdown on Criminal Elements
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN intensified operations in Plateau and Bauchi States, leading to the arrest of suspects involved in criminal activities.
Operations included patrols, raids, and clearance operations, resulting in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and the disruption of criminal activities.
North West Zone: Ongoing Fight Against Banditry
Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI continued their offensive against bandits and terrorists in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
Raids, fighting patrols, and air interdiction operations led to the neutralization of terrorists, the arrest of suspected criminals, and the recovery of weapons and stolen items.
South South Zone: Successes in Combating Oil Theft
The Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE made significant progress in tackling oil theft and other criminal elements in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
Operations focused on patrols, raids, and anti-illegal oil refining efforts, resulting in the destruction of illegal refining sites, seizure of stolen petroleum products, and the arrest of economic saboteurs.
South East Zone: Operations Against Criminal Activities
Troops of Operation UDO KA maintained an offensive against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal elements in Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
Raids, arrests, and rescue operations led to the recovery of weapons, the arrest of suspects, and the liberation of kidnapped civilians.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army has achieved significant success in its operations against Boko Haram, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities across different regions of the country.
The military continues to demonstrate its commitment to restoring peace and security in Nigeria.