Troops arrest Boko Haram commander, free 178

One week after soldiers rescued 71 people from the captivity of Boko Haram, they have again rescued 178 people and destroyed several camps of the insurgents in Borno state.

Tukur Gusau,  deputy director army public relations, confirmed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

He said 101 of the freed captives are children, 67 women and 10 men.

“Sequel to the ongoing operations to clear Boko Haram terrorists in its area of operations, the troops of 21 Brigade in conjunction with elements of 151 Task Force Battalion of 7 Division, Nigerian army have conducted offensive operations along Aulari in Bama axis,” the statement read.

“Troops successfully cleared terrorists’ camp in Fadan, Shuwarin, Wulari, Ngoro Dauye, Jidori, Alikashiri, Kalzamari-Shuwa and Kalzamari-Kanuri amongst others.

“During the offensive operations, 178 people held captives by the terrorists were rescued. They include 101 children, 67 women and 10 men respectively.”

Gusau added that three Boko Haram flags were recovered while five motor cycles were burnt.

He further disclosed that “one Boko Haram terrorist commander was captured alive and is presently undergoing interrogation”.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram distributed a new video on Twitter on Sunday purporting to show attacks on army barracks in Borno and Yobe.

The video also shows the beheading of a man in military uniform said to be a Nigerian soldier.

According to a translation by the SITE intelligence group, an unidentified fighter, shown in the video with looted army weapons and ammunition, refuted the claim of the military that Boko Haram had been forced from its positions and hemmed into the Sambisa forest.