Troops arrest ex-soldier who ‘supplies weapons to terrorists’ in Bauchi

The Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) says an ex-soldier has been apprehended by the troops for supplying weapons and other logistics to terrorists in Bogoro LGA of Bauchi.

In a statement on Friday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said many terrorists were killed during separate operations in parts of the country in July.

Buba said over 700 terrorists including children surrendered to the troops during the operation in Borno communities.

He said a notorious Boko Haram terrorist identified as Ali Modu, has also surrendered to the troops at Dogumba in Mafa LGA of Borno state.

“On 18 July 23, troops arrested one suspected gun runner at Boi in Bogoro local government area of Bauchi state,” the statement reads.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was a dismissed soldier from 5 Be Damasak. Troops recovered 2 pistols, 2 magazines and 8 rounds of 9 mm ammo.

“On the same day, troops in another operation arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ logistic suppliers at Kukareta Mkt in Damaturu LGA of Yobe state and recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum seven thousand two hundred and sixty-five naira (N7,265.00) only among other sundry items.”

The troops killed two Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists, apprehended one other suspect, and rescued one adult female with a child.

In collaboration with CITF and hybrid forces, the troops ambushed terrorists at Limankara, Mandara, Yakwami and Mainari villages in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa LGA of Borno.

Six terrorists were killed in the process, while others fled the location with gunshot injuries, four children were also rescued during the operation.

“During the operations, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles with extra magazine, 3 dane guns, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 rounds of 5.56 × 45mm ammo, 3 PKM rounds, one hand grenade, one locally made hand grenade, 3 motorcycles, one boafeng radio, one mobile phone, one magazine pouch and one torchlight,” he said.

“On 17 July 23, troops conducted a fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ enclave at Kaleri village in Konduga LGA of Borno state and made contact. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 2 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists, captured one other suspect and rescued one adult female with a child.

“Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, 105 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 3 mobile phones, and livestock.

“Between 18 and 19 July 23, troops ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists at checkpoints at Bama and Konduga LGA of Borno state.

“During the operations, troops neutralized 2 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, recovered 2 AK 47 rifles and 39 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo. (3) Between 19 and 24 July 2023.”

‘WOMEN AND CHILDREN RESCUED’

During a raid on terrorists’ hideouts in Gava, Gwoza LGA of Borno, the troops captured eight terrorists and also recovered some weapons.

Three women and four children were rescued when the troops invaded enclaves in Timbuktu, Damboa LGA of Borno.

The troops arrested one criminal in Kaduna, five suspected kidnappers in Nasarawa and rescued one kidnap victim in Plateau between July 18 and 23.

In another development, four suspected cattle rustlers and bandits were captured in Benue and Taraba states, while a gun runner was nabbed in Nasarawa.

“Troops neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 9 terrorists, 1 gunrunner and 2 suspected terrorists’ collaborators and rescued 18 hostages. Owing to troops onslaught, and other prevailing factors, a total of 764 terrorists comprising 2 adult males 336 adult females and 426 children surrendered to troops at different locations within theatre,” he added.

“Troops of operation SAFE HAVEN sustained an offensive posture against kidnappers and criminals elements within the operational area. Troops raided criminal hideouts at Logo, Takum, Ukum LGA of Benue and Taraba states respectively.”