7th December, 2016
The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that it had rescued additional 801 persons held hostage by the Boko Haram terrorists in its ongoing anti-terrorism operations.
Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East made the announcement while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said that the persons were rescued between Nov. 23 and date.
“A total of 801 persons were rescued from the terrorists’ camps from Nov. 23 to date,” he said.
Irabor said that the military had also arrested a number of terrorists fleeing their Sambisa forest hideout due to the ongoing operation.
“Likewise, on Dec. 4 at about 1345hrs, our troops in conjunction with local vigilante intercepted five men, 29 women and children heading towards Goniri from Kafa.
“The men were screened by the local vigilante and two of them were confirmed to be terrorists.
“They have since been taken into custody and are undergoing interrogation,’’ he said, adding that the military also apprehended suspected cattle rustlers during its operations.
“On Nov. 28, four persons and a teenager were arrested by our troops deployed at Bulabulim Ngarnam with 4 cows.
“The arrested persons have been handed over to the Nigeria Police,” he said.
Irabor said that the military also recovered arms from suspected kidnappers in Bauchi state.
“On Dec. 2, our troops while on patrol at the general area of Gamji and Kafin Lemu villages in Ningi LGA of Bauchi state encountered some suspected kidnappers who engaged them in gun battle.
“They were killed in the gun battle that ensued.
“The troops recovered several arms and ammunition which include five Dane guns, a locally made pistol, some cartridges and charms,” he said.