Troops raids IPOB/ESN hideout, rescues hostage, as 15 Boko Haram fighters surrender

The Nigerian Army reported on Saturday that its troops, in a successful raid operation, stormed an IPOB/ESN hideout in Enugwu Umuonyia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

During the operation, soldiers engaged the terrorists in a firefight, rescued a kidnapped hostage, and recovered a cache of arms.

In another operation in Kebbi State, troops executed a daring rescue mission, freeing eight hostages after an intense exchange of fire with kidnappers.

Additionally, the Army stated that 15 Boko Haram terrorists, along with their families, surrendered to troops in Borno State after a sustained military offensive, demonstrating the military’s continued efforts against insurgency in the region.

The statement said, “In a series of well-executed operations, troops have successfully dismantled terrorists’ hideouts, apprehended key terrorist elements, and seized firearms as well as logistics, while several Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered.

“In a raid operation to curb terrorists’ activities in South Eastern Nigeria, troops stormed an IPOB/ESN hideout in the Enugwu Umuonyia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Overwhelmed in the ensuing firefight, the terrorists fled, leaving behind a cache of arms and logistics.

“The troops swiftly searched and destroyed the hideouts, recovering 78 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 20 live cartridges, a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-56 magazine and six vehicles found within the camp.

“On 9 October 2024, troops operating in Plateau State intercepted a notorious gunrunner during a precision stop-and-search operation along the Mangar-Bokkos road.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of one Mathew Caleb, aged 35, who had a fabricated revolver rifle, a fabricated pistol, 23 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a motorcycle.

“The suspect was en route to Bokkos town to deliver the deadly weapons to buyers when troops thwarted his mission.

“Troops also arrested two armed motorcycle snatchers and a robber in Bokkos Local Government Area, seizing a fabricated pistol, 4 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a motorcycle from the criminals.

“In a significant blow to the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, a total of 15 wearied fighters, along with their families, have surrendered to Nigerian Army troops in the Gwoza and Bama Local Government areas of Borno State.

“Troops also arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Azir village in Damboa Local Government area.

*Troops recovered large quantities of liquid fertilizer and insecticides from the suspects, materials typically used by terrorists for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

“In Mainahari village, another Boko Haram logistics supplier transporting drugs to terrorist hideouts was also captured

“In Zamfara State, troops responded swiftly to the kidnapping of a BUA Company driver at Maraban Kyaware in Tsafe Local Government Area.

“Troops swiftly engaged the terrorists in a shootout and successfully rescued the hostage.

“The gallant troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 9 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the terrorists.

“Similarly, in Kebbi State, troops executed another daring rescue operation, extricating eight hostages, following an intense firefight with the kidnappers.

“Acting on precise intelligence, troops in Benue State have apprehended a wanted criminal at Gban Market in Guma Local Government Area.

“The vigilant troops retrieved three rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, four ATM cards, and the sum of N6,750 in cash.

“The Nigerian Army commends the unwavering support and vigilance of law-abiding citizens.

“These operations demonstrate troops’ commitment to effectively degrade and destroy the capabilities of terrorists and their collaborators.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to secure and protect the nation from all forms of terror and threat to national security.”