Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a suspected terrorist attack, neutralising one suspect, recovering weapons, ammunition and logistics items during an intelligence-led operation in Yobe State.
The operation, conducted by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bukarti in conjunction with the 27 Task Force Brigade, targeted suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists allegedly on their way to collect illegal levies from communities in the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of two Volkswagen Golf vehicles and motorcycles conveying the suspected terrorists.
The military said the troops engaged the insurgents with overwhelming firepower, successfully immobilising one of the Volkswagen Golf vehicles and killing its driver during the exchange of gunfire.
Four other suspected terrorists reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds.
A follow-up exploitation operation conducted the following day along the Paya Kafiya–Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle and other items believed to have supported terrorist operations.
READ ALSO:Â UN Raises Alarm Over Terrorists Use Of Drones, Cryptocurrency In Nigeria
Recovered exhibits include 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, one loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs including paracetamol and nicotine products, as well as mechanical tools suspected to have been used in sustaining terrorist activities.
The military said the operation dealt another significant blow to Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics and financing networks by disrupting an alleged mission to extort money from innocent civilians.
The army noted that the success highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics, cutting off illicit sources of revenue and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining relentless offensive operations against terrorist groups in collaboration with other security agencies and with the support of law-abiding citizens until terrorism is decisively defeated and lasting peace and security are restored across the region.