Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a major attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters while also recording arrests, rescues and fresh surrenders in ongoing operations across the region.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Gajibo came under attack from a large group of terrorists riding motorcycles and armed with support weapons.
The attackers were said to have approached the town from different directions before troops responded with “heavy firepower, including mortar engagements,” forcing them to retreat.
Military sources said troops later recovered ammunition and other combat items during follow-up operations, while no casualty was recorded among the soldiers.
In another operation, troops working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators in Gubio town.
“The suspects, both cattle rearers, are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation,” the statement said.
The military also confirmed the arrest of a suspected logistics supplier identified as Umar Ahmadu in Gwoza following intelligence provided by a surrendered terrorist associate.
“The suspect reportedly confessed to supplying items to terrorists on multiple occasions and is currently under interrogation,” the statement added.
A 17-year-old relative of a terrorist was also said to have surrendered to troops along the Gwoza-Limankara axis after fleeing a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.
Preliminary findings showed that sustained military offensives and shortage of basic needs within the enclave influenced his decision to surrender.
Meanwhile, troops intercepted and rescued two kidnapped victims from Mafa town after they escaped from captivity under poor visibility conditions.
The rescued victims have been handed over for medical evaluation and other necessary procedures.
The Joint Task Force stated that the operations reflect ongoing pressure against terrorist groups, their movement routes and supply chains across the North-East.
It added that troops would continue to maintain “high vigilance and an aggressive operational posture” to prevent security threats within the theatre of operation while sustaining efforts aimed at restoring peace and economic activities in the region.