By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian military said 699 children were among a total of 1,332 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their family members who surrendered to its troops across insurgency ravaged North East in part of the country in the last two weeks.
The surrendered terrorists comprised 222 adult males, 411 adult females and the 699 children, Maj. Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations told journalists at a briefing in Abuja.
Danmadami, at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces also noted that eight terrorists were neutralised during the period, while 35 terrorists’ logistics suppliers were arrested.
He added that the troops also rescued 19 civilian victims while 10 AK47 rifles, one LMG, seven rounds of 5.56 ammunition, one LMG link containing 111 rounds of 7.62mm NATO were recovered.
Others weapons recovered are 200 rounds of LMG ammunition, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special and 12 rounds of refilled and 7.62mm special.
He added that troops also recovered two dane guns, four AK47 magazines loaded with 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, 24 other AK 47 magazines, 36 hand grenades and one motorcycle.
“All recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action,” he said.
Defence spokesman said the air component of Operation Hadin Kai also eliminated scores of terrorists in their enclaves during several air interdiction operations.
According to him, feedback revealed that the airstrike dealt a heavy blow to the terrorists as several terrorists were neutralised with their logistics destroyed.
In North West zone, Danmadami said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and other operations had continued to sustain their dominance over the menace of terrorists and other criminal activities in the zone.
He said the troops had within the weeks in review, neutralised 13 bandits as well as rescued 23 kidnapped victims.
According to him, troops recovered seven AK47 rifles, 12 AK47 magazines, 158 rounds of 7.62mm special, one locally fabricated weapon, four Improvised Explosive Devices and two dane guns from the bandits.
He said troops also recovered one motorcycle, one handheld radio, nine bicycles, 39 rustled cows, 74 sheep and N10.5 million cash.
Danmadami said that the recent cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), coupled with the sustained effort of the military had led to reduction in incidences of kidnapping. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
