Troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole have discovered new camps used by Boko Haram terrorists and rescued women and children in Kobe and Boboshe villages in Borno State.
The camps were destroyed and one Boko Haram suspect was killed in the process.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel
The new camps were discovered during the clearance operations of the troop within Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole.
“The troops discovered newly established camps at Dubula village with some bicycles and motorcycle tracks. The camp was destroyed and one of the terrorists was neutralised while trying to escape.
“The following items were recovered: Two terrorists’ flags, two copies of the Quran, One Generator Set and two bicycles. Additionally, 13 women and 26 children were rescued during the operation,” Musa said.
24 out of the children rescued were administered with polio vaccines by Nigerian Army Regimental Medical Officers in line with the Chief of Army Staff directive on the collaboration between the Nigerian Army and National Primary Health Care Development Agency to reach out to areas not captured in the polio vaccination exercise.
Also, the Acting Commanding Officer of 202 Battalion in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilante and hunters group conducted a clearance operation to Tafana 1 and Tafana 2 villages.
“The troops came in contact with some terrorists who fled their camps on sighting the approach of the ferocious troops in Mines Resistance Anti Patrol vehicles. Troops also neutralised the fleeing terrorists. During the operation, 2 men, 29 women and 25 children were also rescued.
“Other items recovered include two boxes filled with Quraan, two terrorists’ flags, five bicycles, five SIM cards of different networks and assorted clothing materials.”
The army spokesperson added that in all the operations and victims so far rescued, it was observed that with the coming of the rainy season, farmers are preparing for the farming season, while the terrorists are also using women and children as farm slaves (labourers) in their farmlands to meet up with daily feeding challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has, therefore, urged the troops to upscale their patriotism and continue to dominate the battlespace with aggressive clearance operations from all flanks to ensure the looming defeat of terrorists of whatever shades in North East Zone