Following sustained military operations, some senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), a military authority has said.
Besides, it also disclosed that troops recorded significant operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through sustained operations backed by credible, timely and actionable intelligence.
Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, announced this in a statement Monday.
“In another major breakthrough, a fresh group of top ISWAP terrorist leaders have abandoned their enclaves and surrendered to troops within the North-East theatre of operations.
“Among those who surrendered are key members of the terrorist network due to relentless military pressure.
“They are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other established procedures in accordance with extant operational protocols,” he said.
According to him, “the development highlights the devastating impact of the sustained offensive by Operation HADIN KAI, which continues to dismantle terrorist strongholds, disrupt command and logistics structures, and deny the insurgents freedom of action across the theatre.”
He said persistent military operations had continued to degrade the terrorists’ combat capabilities while eroding confidence within their ranks and leadership.
“Within the last week alone, a total of 76 terrorist foot soldiers with some families surrendered to troops,” Goni said.
The spokesman also said the operational gains demonstrate the “effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s comprehensive counter terrorism and counter insurgency strategy, combining precision combat operations, intelligence led engagements and coordinated joint efforts with partners.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mission to completely defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.”
He added that “pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or forced to surrender.”
…10 abductees rescued after
In a related development, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, Monday, rescued 10 National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted by suspected ISWAP terrorists in an attack on a secondary school in Lassa community, Askira Uba local government area of Borno state.
The troops said the victims were rescued during a coordinated air and ground operation launched shortly after the terrorists stormed the Technical Secondary School while students were writing their NECO examinations.
According to Goni, the attack occurred at about 9:00 a.m. Monday.
He said: “Immediately upon receipt of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation.”
According to him, troops, guided by the overhead air platforms, made contact with the fleeing terrorists around Daggu, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Goni said: “The operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The military spokesman said: “During the contact, troops outmanoeuvred the fleeing terrorists, inflicting casualties on them and capturing seven of their motorcycles, significantly disrupting their escape.”
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force made the supreme sacrifice during the intense exchange of fire with the terrorists,” Goni said.
According to him, their sacrifice “is a reflection of the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North East.”
Goni said troops had intensified operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to rescue the remaining abductees and track down those responsible for the attack.
“The incident further underscores the desperation of terrorist groups who, faced with sustained pressure from ongoing military operations, have resorted to attacking soft targets and vulnerable members of society in a futile attempt to sustain their campaign of terror,” the statement further added.