According to the Defence Headquarters, a prominent Boko Haram terrorist commander, Saleh Mustapha, has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East. This brings the total number of terrorists surrendered to 51,114.
Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, Director, Defence Media Activities, disclosed this; while briefing journalists on military operations between March 25 and April 7 in Abuja on Thursday, April 7.
The surrender of Mustapha, also known as Inn Kathir, the Qaid of Garin Ba-Abba, to troops in Bama, according to Onyeuko, was crucial.
As of April 5, a total of 51,114 Boko Haram terrorists and families; including 11,398 men, 15,381 women, and 24,335 children, had surrendered to soldiers.
All surrendering terrorists, he claims, have been documented; while captured civilians and recovered materials have been turned over to the proper authorities for future action.
He said troops have recovered one combat tank, five artillery guns, two GTS; and three AA guns in the last two weeks.
One MRAP vehicle, three gun trucks, one MOWAG Armored Personnel Carrier; and two RPG tubes are among the other vehicles.
“Other items recovered include three RPG rockets, three RPG bombs, one NSVT gun, two GPMG, one light MG, one PKM, three GPMG belts; and four belts of PKT rounds.
“Also recovered are 600 7.62mm NATO rounds, 16 AK 47 rifles, one Dane gun, 270 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition; one Toyota Buffalo vehicle, one Golf saloon car, four motorcycles, six magazines, two pairs of camouflage; two terrorist flags, one tricycle, and one active drone,” he said.
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According to Onyeuko, the military also killed a large number of Boko Haram terrorists, arresting 22 terrorist spies, 11 terrorists; and three logistical suppliers, as well as rescued 30 civilians.
Between March 28 and March 31, he claimed, the air component conducted air interdictions near Bukar Meiram; and 2 kilometres south of Kollaram, removing a large stockpile of ISWAP weapons from their depots.
“The land component with the support of the air component conducted offensive operations at different locations of the theatre; such as Ukuba/Camp Zairo, Sabil Huda, Ba Masaa, Wulgo, Marta, Fulatari village, Uraha Crossing Point, Mbalala, Gamboru town all in Borno.
“Notably, among the exploits of our troops was the capture of the terrorists’ stronghold by Ukba/Camp Zairo in the Sambisa Forest; where some artillery guns, armored personnel carriers, trailers, and a large cache of arms and ammunition were captured.
“Troops also destroyed terrorist enclaves, captured some terrorists; destroyed terrorists improvised explosive making factory,” he added.
