The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), on Sunday, said troops on Operation Lafiya Dole killed 75 Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) and Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) fighters during encounters with the terrorists in the month of June.
In a statement, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said: “Between 1 – 30 June 2020, the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole had a total of 17 encounters with the marauding criminals, neutralizing 75 of them in the process.”
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He explained that the encounters also led to the capture of assorted arms and large cache of ammunition, including one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 13 AK 47 Rifles, one Sniper Rifle, 21 locally made guns, two Dane guns and one Rocket Propelled Gun.
He said other weapons recovered included three Hand Grenades, five Rocket Propelled Gun bombs, 205 rounds of Anti-Aircraft ammunition and 1018 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Enenche further said one Gun Truck, one Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device, one Toyota Starlet car and several makeshift structures belonging to the terrorists were destroyed by the troops within the period.
He, however, noted that; “regrettably, one officer paid the supreme price [died] while one soldier was wounded in action.
“The wounded personnel have since been evacuated to a military medical facility where he is recuperating.”
He also said four BHT/ISWAP terrorists, including two women; Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate, were captured and later identified to be the wives of the local Boko Haram commander at Gajingi in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
He said the troops also arrested one Boko Haram spy; named Kawalu, during a Jumaat prayer at Michika Central Mosque while one Boko Haram fighter was captured in the aftermath of an encounter at Miyanti general area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Enenche said: “The period under review also witnessed four surrenders by Boko Haram criminals.
“The trio of Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun and Alhaji Usman surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State while one Mustapha Kori surrendered to troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru in Ngala LGA of Borno State.”
“It is equally heart-warming to note that, during the period, troops rescued 35 captives from the captivity of BHTs/ ISWAP criminals.
“Amongst those rescued are 18 women, 16 children and one adult male,” the statement said.
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