SAN FRANCISCO, June 01, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army says it has rescued several 157 abducted persons, arrested suspected Boko Haram terrorists, and recovered weapons and equipment in its ongoing assault on the insurgents in Borno state.
According to a statement released by the army, the troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion with counterparts of 25 Task Force Brigade on Monday received persons who claimed to have been kept captives by Boko Haram terrorists at Ngwalimiri village but escaped at their location.
All of them are undergoing preliminary investigation and screening to determine their status before onward movement to Internally Displaced Persons camp for rehabilitation, the statement said.
“In furtherance of the efforts to keep Bitta-Damboa road open and secure to commuters, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade have cleared Bulajani, Mulgwo and Muotu villages of remnants of Boko Haram elements,” the statement read.
“During an encounter at Moutu specifically, a soldier sustained an injury on the forehead, while 5 Boko Haram terrorists were killed by the troops, while a few others were suspected to escape with gunshot wounds. The troops recovered 3 locally made guns.
“The advancing troops linked up with their counterparts of 25 Task Force Brigade at Gombori village and rescued 157 persons escaping from Boko Haram terrorists’ captivity. The rescued persons comprised 47 women, 91 children, 19 men. They are currently undergoing preliminary investigation and thorough screening to also determine their status.
“In a related development 77 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered themselves to troops of 122 Task Force Battalion. They comprised 17 men, 16 women, 16 male children and 28 female children. The surrendered terrorists have been moved to Yamteke by combined team of 26 Task Force Brigade for preliminary investigation and screening.”
Story by David Oputah
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