The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ has said that that the recent kuje prison attack by terrorists, through which some prisoners escaped including high ranking Bokoharam members should not been seen as futility of military efforts.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, DMO Major General Bernard Onyeuko who made this known while fielding questions from newsmen during the biweekly briefing on Armed Forces of Nigeria’s military operations, in Abuja said the military is doing a lot to safeguard the prisons while investigation is ongoing.
Recall that authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reported that over 800 inmates escaped from the Kuje Prison in the night following an attack by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists.
The Correctional Service (NCOS) released names and images of inmates who escaped from the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre following the deadly attack.
The inmates were said to have cases relating to terrorism and being members of the Boko Haram sect.
Meanwhile, In the North East Zone, the DMO said the troops of HADIN KAI have continued to take the battle to Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves with more coordinated operations.
During the period under review according to the DHQ, about 3,858 Boko Haram Terrorists and their families surrendered between 1 – 14 July 2022, comprising 505 male, 1,042 Female and 2,311 children.
it was also recorded on 13 July 2022 that six top terrorists Commanders surrendered to own troops in Gwoza. “It is pertinent to note that since the surrendering of terrorists to own troops the high calibre of Commanders surrendered at this time is unprecedented among them a WALI (Governor) and KAID (a 3 star Commander). The surrendered are; Mallam Mala Hassan (WALI), Ali Madagali (MUNZUR), Musa Bashir (CHIEF ANUR), Buba Dahiru (MUNZUR), Jafar Hamma (KAID) and Abbali NAKIB Polisawa”.
“In a related development, on 11 July 2022, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Tumbum Jaki and Tumbum Murhu near Lake Chad in Borno State on the receipt of intelligent report on the activities of the insurgents in the general area. The successful airstrike neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists and destroyed their hideout. Accordingly, information received from locals indicate that over 21 terrorists were neutralized in the airstrike.
“Consequently, between 1 – 14 July 2022 troops neutralized 42 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected terrorists, captured 17 AK47 rifles, 1 QTC rifle, 1 RPG Bomb, 1 RPG tube, 5 hand grenades, 120 rounds of 5.5mm, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 151 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 12.7 108mm, 2 ammo links, 5 dane guns, 8 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm ammunition, 1 smoke grenade, 2 locally made explosives, 23 empty AK47 magazines, and 5 FN magazines.
“All surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families were profiled and documented while all recovered items and apprehended suspected terrorists were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action”. the DMO said.
Also, Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI carried out several operations in its theatre, notably on 10 and 11 July at Sambo village in Dandume Local Government Area Katsina State neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition.
Major General Bernard added that the troops also, intercepted bandits collaborators at Dogo Kade and Samawa village in Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State where they recovered 2 motorcycles and jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirit and several stolen cows were recovered at Gidan Isa in Maradum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
In another development, Onyeuko noted that troops rescued one Mallam Sani Umar Wara at Maberiya Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. It was revealed that he was serving at Zuru Correctional Centre but was kidnapped at Kofar Gabas town in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on 2 July 2022.
The rescued person was handed to Headquarters Correctional Centre Gusau for further action.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE according to the DMO, “on 2 July 2022 conducted raid operation in Hausa Quarters in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State and discovered a weapon fabricating factory. The criminals fled before the arrival of own troops, however, troops recovered 2 locally made cartridge launchers, 1 FN rifle, 1 locally made gun and other items used in manufacturing weapons. In another operation, troops arrested a criminal vandalizing electric wires at NIPSS Kuru in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Also, 2 suspected cattle rustlers were arrested at Kara Market, Bukuru in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State, suspects are in the custody for further action”.
