TheCable

The military says it discovered the largest single cache of arms and ammunition dump in the north-east at Alagarno forest in Borno state.

Lucky Irabor, theatre commander, ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’, disclosed this at a news conference in Biu on Sunday.

He said the arms and ammunition were hidden in bunkers which Boko Haram militants made in the forest.

“Following a tip off, troops of `Operation Lafiya Dole’, supported by some Civilian JTF today went on a clearance patrol to Borgozo-Alargano general area in which they discovered large cache of arms and ammunitions at Gursum village,” he said.

“The patrol team also cleared remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists that were dislodged from the Alagarno forest and were hibernating at Kadari, Camp Abu Fatima, and Gursum.

“The troops discovered a large cache of arms and ammunitions that include 36 boxes of .51mm calibre, 5 x 20 Lyra beefcake mixture of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, large quantity of 7.62mm (special), ammunition, and one 81mm mortar tube.

“In addition, the troops recovered one Toyota Hilux, one generator and several motorcycles. It will be correct to assert that this is, so far, the largest single cache of arms and ammunition to be discovered in the north-east.”

Irabor said the arms and ammunition found were enough to dislodge a sizeable number of any enemy’s force.

He said the discovery confirms the military’s earlier assertion that the Boko Haram group operates several underground logistic bases in the region.

He said troops operating in other locations in the north-east have cleared more hideouts of Boko Haram members in the past three days.

Irabor acknowledged the support of the Nigerian air force in the operations.

He said ground troops had enjoyed tremendous support from the air force’s aerial surveillance and bombardments.

Irabor appealed to Nigerians particularly residents of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe to remain vigilant and to report suspicious movements to security agencies for prompt action.