By Mustapha Buhari, Maiduguri
No fewer than 404 Boko Haram terrorists have been killed, while 810 others were arrested in various operations between March and July 2017 by troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole.
Theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Ibrahim Attahiru, at a press conference held in the Military Command and Control Centre, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Thursday, said a total of 19,642 captives were rescued within the period under review.
He revealed that among the terrorists killed by troops include Abu Fatima on number 230 in the third edition of wanted Boko Haram terrorists list published by the army.
He was killed in Talala, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Also among the terrorists killed is Mustapha Salihu on number 239 of the third edition of wanted Boko Haram terrorists list.
Mr Attahiru, a major-general, added that within the period, a total of 97 incidents of Improvised Explosive Devices ( IEDs) were recorded with minimal casualties, adding that 5 Boko Haram terrorists who disguised as IDPs to wreak havoc in camp of 404 IDPs in Damboa were aprehended by the Military.
“These successes were not without some cost as the army lost one officer and 12 soldiers, while 4 others were wounded in action at various operations in the said period.
“We are using this opportunity to call on residents of Borno and Northeast to join hands with the military in bringing to an end to the menace of insurgency in the region. The residents should as well be vigilant with their wards as Boko Haram terrorists have resorted to the use of women and children as suicide bombers,” he said.
While saying that 70 terrorists surrendered to troops in Gwoza, the theatre commander added that greater in number have indicated willingness to surrender.
“Very soon the issue of ambush on convoy will be a thing of the past as the Army will in few weeks introduce a measure to checkmate the occurrences,” he said.
