By FOLUSHO ALADE,ABUJA
Troops of Operation Fire Ball, a subsidiary of Operation Lafiya Dole, operating in the North-East zone of the country have neutralized more boko Haram terrorists in continuation of its clearance operations, according to a report from the Defence Media Operations (DMO) of the Defence headquarters in Abuja.
The report contained in a Press release also stated that 2 kidnapped women and 3 children were rescued while the terrorists’ logistics supplies were intercepted.
The statement signed by BRIG GEN BENARD ONYEUKO, acting director, Defence media Operations said:
“The troops of Operation FIRE BALL in continuation of their aggressive clearance operation to stamp out the remnants of the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province criminals from their identified enclaves in the North East region have continued to record more successes. These achievements are as a result of their aggressive and responsive posture throughout the theatre of operation.
“ On 17 November 2020, troops of 251 Task Force Battalion deployed in Strong Response Area Molai acting on credible intelligence intercepted some Boko Haram criminals and relations of some kidnapped persons making efforts to pay a ransom of Two Million naira cash (2,000,000.00) to the terrorists. In a swift reaction, the gallant troops engaged the Boko Haram criminals forcing them to abort the collection of the payment as well as abandoned their captives. In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, One Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist was neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. One AK 47 Rifle and one Motorcycle were recovered. The victims including 2 women and 3 children were all rescued unhurt.
“ In another development, on 17 November 2020, troops of 151 Battalion conducted an aggressive fighting patrol to clear Boko Haram criminals hideout in the general area of Zaye Ngusa Village. The eagle eyed troops spotted the criminals and engaged them with superior fire power forcing them to withdraw in disarray as blood stains littered along their escape paths as one terrorist was neutralized.
“ Same day, on 17 November 2020, troops of 202 Battalion conducted a successful ambush operation along one of the criminals crossing point leading to the neutralization of one Boko Haram criminal while several others are believed to have escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds under the cover of darkness.
“ Similarly, on 15 November 2020, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade in Strong Response Area Pulka in a well coordinated ambush operation along Pulka – Sabon Gari – Kirawa road intercepted Boko Haram criminals logistics convoy. On sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged the criminals with gun fire forcing them to flee abandoning their consignments. Items recovered were: 8 bicycles, several bags of grains, assorted packets of drugs and other food items.
“The troops of Operation FIRE BALL are hereby commended for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism exhibited since the beginning of the Operation. They are also encouraged not to rest on their oars but build on the successes recorded so far.
“The entire populace of the North East region are hereby assured of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of BHT/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in this zone”.The statement read.
