Nigeria, February 16, 2016 – Troops deployed in the Operation Lafiya Dole today rescued 350 hostages held in camps by members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
Among the 350 were five girls abducted from Cameroon. The troops also killed five members of the sect when troops from 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman said in a press statement.
He said the hostages were rescued when the Armed Forces Special Forces conducted a joint fighting patrol to suspected Boko Haram terrorists enclave in Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare, Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja and Marya towns in Mafa and Dikwa Local Governments Areas.
“In the encounter, 5 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, an AK-47 rifle, 10 motorcycles and 1 logistic truck belonging to the terrorists was recovered. The troops also rescued 350 people held hostages by the terrorists. Among those rescued were 5 girls abducted from Cameroon.
“In order to boost troops morale and to see things for himself, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu visited 26 Task force Brigade and commended troops of 121 Task Force Battalion for the successful joint clearance operations at Kirawa and Ngoshe with Cameroonian forces”, he said.
He said that two suspected terrorists hiding in the communities were also arrested while items like 6 motorcycles and beans looted from the inhabitants of the area.
“The same team also recovered 21 motorcycles and Boko Haram terrorists flag at Korode abandoned by the fleeing terrorists”, he said.
