A total of 1,400 civilians were arrested by the Nigerian troops during all its operations conducted between 28th December 2016 – 4th January 2017, the military authorities have revealed.
Residents of Damasak, a town which was once under the control of Boko Haram have also started returning to the town following the re-opening of Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak road, While returnees who were earlier displaced by terrorist attacks on the community are returning from either Maiduguri, capital of Borno State or Niger Republic where they had taken refuge.
This was revealed at a press conference by Major General Leo Irabor, theatre commander, operation Lafiya Dole in Abuja on Wednesday.
The commander said clearing and sanitation of the town has been taking place while troops in conjunction with CJTF continued to dominate general area of the town with aggressive patrol and screening of locals coming in.
Irabo who wished Nigerians a prosperous new year called on Nigerians to help in consolidating on the success realised in the fight against Boko Haram so far. He noted that the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued exploitation and mop-up operations against fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists with huge success.
He said: “On 29 December 2016 at about 0647hrs, own troops embarked on clearance operation to Dumur Forest in continuation with Operation Rescue Finale. The troops cleared Dumur and Bula Julta villages and carried out bombardment of Adzunge, Gombole, Malabi, Sowolowo, Izuwe, Ngwlimiri and Latan villages.
“On 31 December 2016 at about 0945hrs, own troops conducted clearance operation to Aiwa village about 25km from Maiduguri. Troops cleared several villages namely: Taula, Majaja, Mafaide, Jaaja, Masu Kura and Aaiwa. No contact was made. However, a mini BHT camp was discovered and destroyed. At Aiwa village, villagers were assembled and thoroughly screened which led to the arrest of a suspect named Modu Babagana Goni. The locals informed the troops that the suspect sometimes assists BHT in getting food items. He has been arrested and currently undergoing investigation.”
Irabor also revealed that Nigerian troops arrested some suspected terrorists and other criminal elements.
He said: “On 25 December 2016 at about 1000hrs, own troops deployed at Fob Potiskum apprehended a suspected Boko Haram member, Musa Abdullahi at Fika. The suspect is in custody undergoing interrogation.
“On 30 December 2016 at about 1520hrs, own troops in conjunction with NSCDC arrested a suspected BHT suspect Rabiu Ibrahim at Bajoga in Fnakaye LGA of Gombe State. The suspect fled to Gombe as a result of the recent attacks on BHT by troops. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed that he joined the sect about four years ago and took part in the attack of troops along Damaturu- Maiduguri road. The suspect is in custody for further interrogation.
“On 30 December 16 at about 1330hrs, our troops arrested a confirmed BHT member at Goni Kalla. While the suspect was being moved from Goni Kalla to Damaturu, the BHT member attempted to escape by jumping out of the vehicle. He was therefore shot and killed. His corpse has been deposited at General Hospital Damaturu.”
The commander said some othe suspects were also arrested in conjunction with the DSS.
According to Irabor, 15 BHT members were killed while four soldiers were wounded in action.
“Some of the items recovered from the BHT include 2 AK47 rifles, 4 FN rifles, an M21 rifle, quantity 110 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 40 pieces of M21 rounds, 4 FN extra magazines and 2 locally made explosives. Also, on 2 Jan 17, at about 0110hrs, some fleeing BHT members attacked own troops at blocking position in LOGOMANI,” he said.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, promising that the military will not rest until the terrorists have been totally rooted out of the country.
