Nigerian troops hunting Boko Haram terrorists in the country’s North-east have made a rich harvest, arresting one of their emirs alongside 42 other suspects while also rescuing 241 women and children during the operation.

The feat was recorded by advancing troops along Banki axis in Borno State, who yesterday cleared two Boko Haram camps at Jangurori and Bulatori villages, near the border with neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said this afternoon: “The troops have also arrested 43 suspected Boko Haram terrorists including one of the Boko Haram kingpins in the area, Bulama Modu who is an ‘Amir’ (Emir) of Bulakuri. The troops also rescued 241 women and children during the operation.”

Continuing, Col. Usman said in a statement issued in Abuja, the Nigerian capital: “To further confirm what was said earlier about the terrorists abandoning their commanders and burying weapons, one Mohammed Modu led troops to where he buried his AK-47 rifle at Jangurori village. Apart from arms and ammunitions, bows and arrows recovered from Bulama Modu, the kingpin. He confirmed that the terrorists also gave him a horse to enhance his deadly pursuits.

“Similary, the gallant troops arrested one suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Aji Gambo, at Wudla village who revealed that the Boko Haram terrorists that attacked Kirawa and Kolofata in the northern part of Cameroon were from Dara Jamel village Nigeria, where they had an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory. He further stated that the suicide bombers and the IED were prepared by Abdulrahaman Alkali Isa, Ba’ana Hisuba and Alkali Isa Karami, natives of Dara Jamel. He however added that the perpetrators have fled to Sumbulum village.”

Col. Usman disclosed that “the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai who keeps close tap on the progress of the troops has commended them for their impressive performance thus far.”

He added: “The troops who are on very high spirits have reiterated their determination to continue with the fight against Boko Haram terrorists till they clear them from all known camps and enclaves.”

•Photo shows Boko Haram local Amir (Emir) Bulama Modu.