The Nigerian Army says seven members of the Islamic sect Boko Haram, fleeing artillery bombardment and assaults by its troops have been killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the sect.
Eight other members of the sect reportedly sustained different degrees of injury in the incident.
A statement by the media coordinator, Nigerian Army Operations, Aminu Iliyasu says the incident occurred on Friday 18th October, in Borno.
“In a clear case that can be best described as a tactical boomerang, some marauding Boko Haram criminals elements who were escaping the unbearable battle heat turned on them by Nigerian Army troops met their waterloo as one of their vehicles, a Toyota Sam Sahara Model, stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) laid by them against NA troops at Lamba’a Forest along Jakana – Mainok Road in Borno State.”
The statements says the Nigerian Army troop on operation positive identification has also arrested one Musa Ishaku in Baga, Borno state for being in possession of a fake identity card of the Nigerian Custom Services.
Nigerian Army troops from 1 division have also rescued four students in Gurmi, Chikun local government area, Kaduna state, kidnapped by bandits.
“Troops of 1 Division also rescued 4 kidnapped students from bandits at Gurmi Village in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State after a brief fire fight with criminals.”
The Army also says it has arrested 22 persons in Yobe and Borno for involvement in smuggling of fish into Nigeria from Lake Chad.
The smugglers who were arrested by sector 3 operation LAFIYA DOLE were suspected to be funding operations of the Boko Haram sect from proceeds of their illegal business, the Nigerian Army says.
“A syndicate that specialises in the smuggling of smoked fish from the Lake Chad region for sale in some parts of Nigeria have been busted by the diligent troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Reliable information available revealed that Boko Haram criminals/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their collaborators are using the fish business to finance and sustain their heinous activities.”
“The proceeds from the sales are believed to be channelled into the procurement of food stuff, groceries, drugs, toiletries, vehicle spare parts and other items for the sustenance of their criminal activities.”
The Army further disclosed that troops from 3 division have arrested three armed robbery and kidnap kingpins who have been terrorising residents of Plateau state.
The statement by the army says one of the bandits, Dahiru Dogo, was tracked and arrested in a forest in Kano.
“Following confessional statements made by an arrested notorious bandit/kidnap kingpin named Yellow, troops of 3 Brigade tracked and arrested one of his gang members, Dahiru Dogo in Falgore Forest in Kano State.”
The statement reiterated the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai to a safe and peaceful nation.
