- The Nigerian army says it has arrested 126 suspected Boko Haram members
- Army chief, Lucky Irabor, says the jihadist infiltrated the IDP camp in Borno state
- Irabor says the arrest was made after a recent attack by Boko Haram at Damboa
The Nigeria Army has said it has arrested about 126 suspected Boko Haram members.
The army revealed that the suspects were apprehended at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), camp in Damboa, Borno state.
Army chief, Lucky Irabor, made the disclosure while fielding questions from journalists in Maiduguri.
The Major General said the suspects were flushed out during mop up operations.
Irabor said that the mop up was conducted after the Boko Haram terrorists stormed Sabon Gari area in Damboa Local Government area of the state.
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“During the attack, we lost about six soldiers and equipment, some of our soldiers were also wounded.
“After the unfortunate incident, a joint operation was carried out by 3 and 125 task force brigade of the army.
Army says Boko Haram is attempting to infiltrate IDP camps in the northeast
“Based on intelligence report available, we learnt there was an attempt by Boko Haram to attack Damboa town and many of the insurgents have infiltrated the IDPs camp in Damboa.
“We also have an intelligent report that many of those insurgents that participated in the attack on Sabon Gari have infiltrated into the IDPs camp.
“During the raid on the camp, one of the terrorists in particular was identified to have taken part in the Sabon Gari attack.
“When we searched him, we found a wallet on him containing the Identity card of one of the soldiers that was killed during the attack.
“So, in essence, that gave the purpose for further operations that our troops of 125 Brigade and the Civilian JTF rounded up about 126 of the terrorists in the camp.
“As you all know that peace has started returning to the areas, but we realise that the Boko Haram terrorists were hiding under law abiding citizens to continue to cause havoc.
“The operation is a continuous one, even though the arrest had elicited reactions from some NGOs working in the camp, also the IDPs, who viewed what we are doing differently.
“This was what really happened, though yesterday, there was an incident in Konduga where three suic*de bombers detonated their explosives killing themselves and wounded some locals.
“Also, we had a case where some of our troops on patrol in Dikwa ran into an Improvised Explosive Device, where two soldiers were wounded, but they are getting better in the hospital.
“In Damasak also, we suspected Boko Haram movement looking for logistics and food, we laid ambush and killed four of them and recovered a Hilux truck, weapons, fish and rice.
“It will also interest you to note that our Naval component of the operation have been very active in lake Chad.
“We are currently strengthening out platforms on that axis toward ensuring that we go deeper in our operations to fish out other Boko Haram terrorists in the area.
“Looking back into our operations in the last 14 months that I took over as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, much has been achieved,” Mr. Irabor said.
Irabor has been transferred by the army to head the Multi Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in Njadmena, Chad Republic.
In a similar vein, the new Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf has formally taken over command of the Division in Maiduguri.
NAIJ.com gathered that Yusuf took over from his predecessor, Brig Gen Victor Ezugwu who was posted to Depot Nigerian Army Zaria as Commandant.
In a brief ceremony at the Maimalari Barracks, Headquarters of the Division, the new GOC was presented with the Division flag by his predecessor after signing the handing and taking over notes.
He later inspected the Quarter Guard where old flag was lowered and new one hoisted to signify the change of command at the division.
NAIJ.com had previously reported that a major shake-up has occurred in the Nigerian Army with top commanders that led the fight against Boko Haram affected.
In the video below, Nigerians are reacting to calls for President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over to Prof Yemi Osinbajo, based on health grounds.
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