TheCable

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says 2,016 suspected insurgents — including their family members — have surrendered to the troops of operation Hadin Kai in the north-east within two weeks. 

In a statement on Thursday, Bernard Onyeuko, defence spokesman, said the suspects surrendered at various locations in the north-east between July 14 and July 28, 2022. 

Onyeuko also said the troops repelled an attack by insurgents at Gwalaram village in Magumeri LGA of Borno state, adding that 20 suspected insurgents were killed during a clash along the Kwang-Kilakasa road in Monguno.

He also confirmed the rescue of two out of the remaining abducted Chibok girls — identified as Hanatu Musa and Kauna Sarah Luka.

“Troops on fighting patrol repelled Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province attacks at Gwalaram village in Magumeri Local Government Area,” the statement reads.  

“Own troops firepower forced the criminals to flee the location. Also, troops came in contact with terrorists along Kwang-Kilakasa road, Monguno, Gajiran, and in a fire battle, engaged the terrorists and neutralised 20 of the insurgents.

“Troops further exploited the area and recovered 6 x AK47 rifles, 3 bicycles, 1 Toyota Landcruiser van, 3 x tyres, 490 rounds of 108mm, 274 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, metal links, 5 x magazine, 2 x Improvised Explosive Device cylinders, 100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others items.

“Troops on 25 July 2022 rescued 4 women with children at Aulari in Borno State, while 2 were on the list confirmed to be Chibok girls named Hanatu Musa and Kauna Sarah Luka, who are on serial 7 and 38 of the missing Chibok girls.

“Accordingly, within the weeks in focus, a total of 2,016 suspected Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families, comprising 360 adult males, 580 adult females and 1076 children, surrendered to own troops at various locations in the North East theatre of Operation.

“All rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to relevant authority, while surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and their families were profiled and handed over to the appropriate agencies for further action.”