B/Haram: 82 militants killed, 313 arrested in Borno

A total of 82 Boko Haram militants were killed while 313 others who sneaked into various communities to hide at camps of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) located within Borno state and environs, were arrested and currently undergoing investigations.

Also, 69 others have denounced terrorism and surrendered to troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole, while 630 settlements were cleared as well as 468 persons rescued and handed over to various IDP camps.

The Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru disclosed all these in Maiduguri yesterday during a monthly briefing on the ongoing fight against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, saying during the period under review (within the last one month), troops intercepted fleeing insurgents attempting to seek refuge in IDP camps and other communities within the Theatre.

“This vigilant posture by troops and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members as well as some clan heads resulted in the arrest of 313 insurgents who are currently undergoing investigations,” Maj.Gen. Attahiru said.

He also said in line with the Federal Government deradicalization and rehabilitation programme, the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists had been moved to Operation Safe Corridor camps for further action.

“However,” he explained, “This is not without having obtained useful information from them.”

Attahiru further said that troops had continued to conduct fighting patrols, clearance and ambush operations to rid the hinterlands of fleeing insurgents and totally dominate the Theatre.