Nigerian troops prosecuting the war against Boko Haram in three states in the country’s North-East region (Borno, Yobe and Adamawa) have thwarted an attempt by the insurgents to regroup. Three of the insurgents were killed while 25 were captured.

Facilities belonging to Boko Haram were also impounded according to a mission update by Director Defence Information, Brigadier General, Chris Olukolade. Below are details of the update entitled: “Troops Foil Terrorists’ Attempt to Regroup/Infiltrate”:

“Troops of the Special Forces have intercepted messages sent to fleeing insurgents urging them not to give up but fight to the end. The attempt by some of them to heed the call was foiled during the weekend as they were trailed to some settlements and towns towards the border where they plan to regroup. Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force carried out an operation which resulted in the capture and destruction of the insurgents assembly points sited in the outskirts of Kaneram Dan Katsina, Tumbu Dabino and Mallam Fatori area north of Baga. The towns and settlements have now been secured while cordon and search operation is also ongoing in the area after the insurgents have been dislodged.

“Meanwhile, a total of 25 insurgents were rounded up while 3 died including a high profile terrorist identified as Abba- who has been on the list of most wanted persons. This incident happened during an encounter with troops of the task force as the insurgents were finalizing moves to carry out an extensive terrorist operation around Maiduguri. The captured ones were all apprehended with their weapons which include rifles, pistols, double barrel guns and various calibres of ammunition during a raid operation of the JTF in Kumshe and Bulunkutu area. Although they succeeded in killing a security operative of the Task Force, they were all apprehended before their main planned infiltration with more arms to cause mayhem in the city.

“In Sambisa forest, troops combing the forest continue to make more discoveries. A man who had been held hostage in the forest since last year escaped bound in handcuffs as his captors fled during the troops attack on the biggest camp in the forest. The freed hostage is being treated by the Task Force. The troops are dominating the forest as they find a number of fresh grave, more arms and ammunition, burnt vehicles and other equipment. More updates as the operation continues.”

•Photo courtesy AFP shows Nigerian troops.

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