Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters(DHQ) has confirmed the recovery of different arms and ammunition by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, and arrested a terrorist foreigner who has been serving as an informant in Sokoto.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Benard Onyeuko speaking at a press briefing on Thursday where he recounted the commendable activities of troops, said sophisticated weapons have been recovered, and over 100 families of the terrorists have been rescued, including women and children.
He added that 15 terrorists were captured, while 14 were killed during the troops’ operations.
“On May 31, 2022, troops repelled an attack by terrorists at Firm Base Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. During the attack, troops responded with superior firepower and inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists while others fled in disarray.
“Cumulatively, troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, five AK56 rifles, two FN rifles, 227 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven AK47 magazines, one PKM gun, one AA gun, 164 rounds of AA ammunition, 111 Shilka ammunition, one gun truck, one shilka barrel, two dane guns, two Improvised Explosive Device, one car engine, four trolleys and one water pump machine.
“Troops also rescued 100 terrorists’ family members which included 33 women. Troops also neutralised 14 terrorists and arrested 15. Accordingly, all arrested, rescued terrorist families and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
Major General Onyeuko also disclosed details of the arrested foreign terrorist informant, identified as Jabe Buba, residing in Garuwa village in Tambuwa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“Pictures and video of him posting rifles in the forest were found in his phone and cash of N130,000.00 was recovered from him.
“Also, troops neutralised 18 bandits and apprehended 25 bandits. Accordingly, all arrested, rescued civilians and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he said of the informant.
The Director went ahead to list other activities of the troops, which included discovery of 40 illegal refineries, 165 metal storage tanks, 72 ovens, 23 dug out pits, and five wooden boats.
He also disclosed that 107,400 litres of crude oil, 456,450 litres of AGO, 6,250 litres of PMS, six trucks, three outbound engines, and one AK 47 rifle were recovered, and 21 suspects apprehended and handed over to the appropriate authorities for the next course of action.