No fewer than 24 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in the Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
As gathered, the terrorists’ family members surrendered after fleeing the Gasuwa and Yaganari terrorist enclaves following clashes between rival factions within the terrorist organisation.
The Nigerian Army confirmed this on Saturday through a statement made available to newsmen, disclosing that the gunmen’s family members surrendered at about 4 p.m. on Thursday to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion.
It noted that the surrendered family members had been profiled and documented by the troops for further action.
The Army added that troops of 212 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), in another operation, apprehended two suspects during a raid in the Bewac general area.
According to the Army, the operation was conducted along Al-Ansar University Road in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council based on human intelligence about suspected terrorist activities.
“Troops arrested one suspect in possession of a magazine loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“The suspect claimed he received the magazine and ammunition from another civilian, who was subsequently arrested by the troops.
“A mobile phone was recovered from the second suspect, while both suspects and exhibits remained in military custody for further investigation,” it said.
The report also revealed that troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment and CJTF arrested a suspected ISWAP logistics supplier and informant in Kekura, Damboa Local Government Area.
It added that the suspect was arrested at his residence following intelligence linking him to the supply of food items and mobile phones to terrorist camps.
“Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma foiled a kidnapping incident at Jurawa Village in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The troops responded to a distress call after a female resident was abducted by suspected kidnappers at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.”
The Army noted that locals killed and mutilated the corpses of five suspected kidnappers before troops arrived, while other terrorists fled after abandoning their victim.
Troops, therefore, warned residents against taking the law into their hands and assured them of continued efforts to protect law-abiding citizens.
In Plateau State, reports said troops of Operation Enduring Peace recovered an AK-47 rifle after arresting a woman attempting to flee with two magazines.
It said the troops raided Kisayi and Dogon Daji settlements in the Bassa Local Government Area following intelligence on the kidnapping of a civilian.
According to the report, further searches led to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm, three mobile phones and a military jungle hat from another residence.
It stated, “In another operation, troops recovered 20 rustled cattle at Dila Village in Pankshin Local Government Area after engaging suspected rustlers, who fled the area. The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their owner.”
In the South-South, the report said the troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe arrested three suspected cultists over alleged murder in the Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
It added that the suspects were arrested during a raid on Sunfit Hotel, Owhelogbo, and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.
“Also in Rivers, troops arrested two suspects conveying about 125 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in sack bags.
“The suspects were apprehended at Ebocha general area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area during a patrol by troops of CIB VIII.
“The suspects remained in custody, while the recovered products were handled in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,” the report added.