Troops ‘kill scores’ of ISWAP fighters during ambush in Borno

Troops of 146 battalion of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed scores of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that the fighters were killed on Monday in Kareto, Mobbar LGA of Borno. 

According to the publication, the troops, who were on fighting patrol in the area, ambushed the ISWAP terrorists.

During the gun battle, some of the fighters escaped with gunshot wounds. 

The report said the troops recovered some rifles and ammunition, with no casualties on the side of the soldiers.

In a related development, troops of Sector 3 Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have arrested one Barmu Garba in Ngala LGA of the state. 

Garba, a suspected terrorist logistic supplier, was arrested by the troops during a routine security search on vehicles and passengers bound for Cross Kauwa and Baga towns at Charlie 19. 

A military source told Zagazola Makama that Garba was caught with huge amounts of money and drugs while heading to an ISWAP enclave in Wulgo village.

“During the search on the suspect, items found on him included assorted animal drugs comprising 10 Ashoxy, 3 livelong and 1 Diminor plus, 3 blankets, 2 turbans (Rawani), 1 knife, 2 pairs of new clothes, a small mirror and N1.5million carefully concealed inside an empty four-liter gallon,” the source said. 

The suspect was said to have been taken into military custody for profiling and investigation.