Soldiers hailed in Borno over arrest of Boko Haram kingpin, rescuing 178 villagers

Arrested Boko Haram kingpin being led out of his
hideout near Sambisa by soldiers
(Photo by DAPR) 

By Blogger, 

Residents of Borno state and parts of the volatile northeast Nigeria are commending troops of the Nigeria Army for their sustained successes in the ongoing counter insurgency operation tagged operation 'Lafiya Dole'. 

The Army has been recording successful operations in past few weeks over the Boko Haram terrorists in various communities of Borno where some few elements of the insurgents were still holding sway. Many hideouts and camps of the terrorists were invaded, cleared and captives freed by the highly motivated soldiers. 

The recent of such successful military operations in Borno state was the Saturday clearing of eight (8) notorious hideouts and camps in Bama axis of the state. 

Soldiers taking instructions from a commander
during an operation 

The soldiers in that operation did not only rescue 178 men, women and children but had in a fierce battle rescued 

Women and children rescued by soldiers
from Boko Haram camp 

"We are really grateful to God and the coming of the soldiers to rescue us from the captivity of the Boko Haram people who came to our communities, rounded us up and forced us to live under control", said Modu Babaji a middle aged farmer. 

One of the Boko Haram leader that was arrested was one amongst the 

Spokesman of the 7 Division Nigeria Army, Colonel Tukur Gusau, said the high morale of the troops that motivated by the directive of new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai, which was effectively translated in to result by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigeria Army.

Colonel Gusau made this known in a press statement made available to this Blog. 

"Sequel to the ongoing operations to clear Boko Haram Terrorists in its area of operations, the troops of 21 Brigade in conjunction with elements of 151 Task Force Battalion of 7 Division, Nigerian Army have conducted offensive operations along Aulari in Bama axis. 

Soldier helping rescued persons to safety 

"The troops successfully cleared terrorists' camp in Fadan, Shuwarin, Wulari, Ngoro Dauye, Jidori, Alikashiri, Kalzamari-Shuwa and Kalzamari-Kanuri amongst others.

"During the offensive operations, 178 people held captives by the terrorists were rescued;  they include 101 children, 67 women and 10 men respectively. 

"Also, three (3) Boko Haram flags were recovered while five (5) motor cycles were burnt by the troops. In addition, one (1) Boko Haram Terrorists Commander was captured alive and is presently undergoing investigation.

Some of the rescued persons 

"The troops morale remains high as they are determined to consolidate on the success achieved so far under Operation LAFIYA DOLE", said Colone Gusau, a Deputy Director, Army Public Relations.