Military intensifies campaign against insurgents in North-east

Stories by Musa Umar Bologi
Abuja

Nigerian military has in recent times stepped up its campaign against Boko Haram Terrorists in the North East.
This is evident in view of several clearance operations undertaken by troops across the large expanse of the North east. The operations were aimed at routing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists who are seeking refuge in some remote locations in the forests.

One of the operations carried out by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole recently involved troops of 159 Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade.  The troops of the unit, according to Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, acting on intelligence, successfully executed a swift operation against suspected Boko Haram terrorists locations at Manlumudori, Aridi, Filari, Kingimari, Dinamari, Itari and Mirimari villages, in Borno state.

The unit, he said, further artillery bombardment operations west of Subdu village killed scores of the insurgents concentrated at  Bulabulin and  Alagarno forests, in Northen borno state.
The offensive operations later dovetailed into cordon and search operation at  Degeltura, Gisum and  Popamari  villages.
In continuation with the clearance operations, troops of Operations Harbin Kunama II have also intensified the tempo of their operations in their various areas of operations. Hence, troops of 232 Battalion have carried out patrols to Muchalla, Lade and Bodeno villages in order to prevent Boko Haram terrorists’ infiltration.

Similarly, troops in blocking position at Garkida carried out similar exercise to Dzangwalla general area where they neutralized fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, according to army spokesperson.
He added that  troops of 23 Brigade Support Battalion have also conducted patrol to Kolkol village with the aim of dominating the area and preventing elements of Boko Haram terrorists infiltrating the area through borders with neighbouring Cameroon.

“Whereas the troops stationed at Forward Operation Base at Hong have assumed blocking positions in Mararrabar Pella, Kalaa and Shangui to dominate the area and fix any Boko Haram terrorists that venture that way,” he said.
Following tip off from well-meaning Nigerians, the troops of 27 Task Force Brigade have arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorists informant and collaborator, Alhassan Garba, at Azare village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect’s daughter, Lami Alhassan Garba is married to a confirmed Boko Haram terrorist, Musa Isah, who fled from the village to Kano and was subsequently tracked and apprehended in Kano city. Both are currently being held for further investigation, according to Brig. Gen. Usman.
In furtherance of their mandate, troops of 233 Battalion in conjunction with elements of 29 Task Force Brigade and 212 Battalion have also conducted clearance operations where they successfully rid Lawanti village of Boko Haram terrorists.

Usman said: “Similarly, troops of 154 Task Force Battalion, 29 Task Force Brigade, have also conducted fighting patrol along Mauli-Alagarno road with a view to dominate the area against infiltration by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists. The unit has also carried out patrol to Sansan village and Bulabulin to prevent Boko Haram terrorists’ infiltration.
“Troops of 156 Task Force Battalion of the same Brigade have also carried out patrols along Ngula-Jayiwa and Kukuram-Abalam axis to deny fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from crossing over to other areas.
“The 29 Task Force Brigade Defence Company and Quick Response Force carried out massive joint clearance operations with troops of 27 Task Force Brigade and 212 Battalion.”
He said troops of the various units and Forward Operating Bases of 33 Brigade Nigerian Army have also carried out patrols to Lame, Bingel, Gumau, Toro, Panshanu, Tashan Kaji and Tashan Durumi.

Others include Sabon Gari, Yelwan Duguri, Darazo, Soro, Wailo, Drum, Bukutumbe, Dogon Ruwa, Dingis, Dabar Baga and Gomo, among others.
He said the Brigade was involved in Operation HARBIN KUNAMA II in some forests within Bauchi and Gombe States, which has recorded “tremendous success.”
“Troops of 231 and 331 Battalions stationed in northern Borno have also been maintaining blocking positions, carrying out patrols, raids and ambushes within their areas of responsibility,” he said.

Leave a Reply