In continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, troops of 109 Special forces Battalion Magumeri, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri local government area of Borno state.
This was disclosed in a statement by Media Information OPHK Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba
According to him, the terrorists, reportedly moving on 2 vehicles and 24 foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorizing locals.
According to him, “Acting swiftly, own troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.
“As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.
“After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene.”
He said items recovered from the engagement include: 1 AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), 5 Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded), 31 7.62mm rounds,1 Itel mobile phone and 1dagger.
“Notably, no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by OPHK troops during the operation,” he said.
He said in a similar development along the Gajiram – Bolori – Mile 40 – Gajiganna axis, troops mounted on motorcycles, engaged Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village.
According to him, during the firefight, 4 terrorists were neutralized, while others dispersed into surrounding bush.
He said troops also successfully rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr. Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, along with a sack containing Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000).
He said preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and 2 new Tecno button phones for the release of the captives brother.
He said troops recovered the following items from the terrorists:1 Blue pickup vehicle (Reg No: GUB 327 XA), 2 New Tecno button phones, 1 Jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a total sum of Four Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Naira (N4,355,000).
He said further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.
