Military bombs 27 terrorists in Borno 

Military bombs 27 terrorists in Borno 

The air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has killed no fewer than 27 terrorists in air strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Tumbuns area of Borno state.

In a statement on Sunday, the Nigerian Army said 12 insurgents were killed in an air strike on Dawoshe in Kukawa LGA, while another 15 were killed in a separate precision launch at Metele in Guzamala LGA.

The army said the strikes were part of a series of operations carried out across the country over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of 10 suspected criminals, rescue of eight kidnap victims, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other items.

According to the army, the intelligence-led operations involved joint land and air forces and were conducted in Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Ground troops in Borno also apprehended a suspected terrorist along the Mandara Girau Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Recovered items included a cache of supplies believed to be destined for insurgents, such as food items, communication devices, blankets, herbicides and batteries,” the army said.

“Also, in a separate incident near Kareto, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt and successfully rescued 6 civilians comprising three men and three women without injury.

“In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect include ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop, a mobile phone and military-pattern clothing.”

The army said troops also arrested four suspected criminals in Jos LGA and recovered a locally made pistol and ammunition.

In Nasarawa state, troops rescued two kidnap victims after their captors fled on sighting security forces.

The army said a follow-up operation led to the discovery of a criminal hideout, where troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, and N1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In the FCT, troops intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja–Lokoja highway and recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had forcefully taken the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale,” the army said.

“Meanwhile, in the South-South region, troops conducting anti-crude oil theft operations in Akwa Ibom State recovered approximately 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), concealed in sacks within a bush in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

“The recovered products have been handed over to the appropriate authorities.”