Over the last week, the Nigerian Army and Boko Haram have been involved in several battles in Borno State with military commanders saying it has led to the recovery of several ammunition dumps. Yesterday, the army claimed to have gunned down 18 Boko Haram insurgents in seven major raids and arrested four of its key personnel.
Nigeria Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman, said a large ammunition cache was recovered and significant amounts of money used by the Boko Haram to recruit new members were also seized during the operation. He added that soldiers also rescued more than 200 civilians, mostly aged persons, women and children that had been held captive by the insurgents.
Col Usman said: "The arrested kingpins include Umara Mai Gyaran Rediyo (radio technician), Umaru Mai Nama, (who specialize in cattle rustling and sales), Alifa Makinta (a specialist on stealing foodstuffs) and Balu Jugudum (in charge of stolen jewelleries). Troops of 3 Battalion, of 22 Task Force Brigade have made an unprecedented catch with the arrest of four Boko Haram terrorists at Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.
“The four terrorists were arrested following a tip off by well meaning members of the public. Subsequently, the troops conducted a cordon and search operation in the general area that led to the apprehension of the terrorist leaders, who contribute to the sustenance of the insurgency through their illegal trade specialisation."
According to the army, the sum of N637,000 was also discovered on one Abdullahi Yakubu, who was identified by another escapee/suspected Boko Haram terrorist as having trading links with the terrorists. Similarly, one Ibrahim Bute, 67, of Gobara village was arrested by the troops on suspicion of being a Boko Haram kingpin.
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