…… Troops discover another fuel depot in Borno
The Nigerian Army have stated that 80 Boko Haram terrorists have laid down their weapons and surrendered to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Bama, Borno State. .
The terrorists among whom were commanders, suppliers and foot soldiers confirmed to have partook in several terrorist attacks especially on Bama town, Borno State, surrendered as a result of the intense heat and continuous offensive action embarked by troops.
The Army said, “It will be recalled that we have repeatedly stated that surrender is the only option available to insurgents as the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other security agencies are totally committed to the achievement of the 3 months Presidential deadline for the eradication of terrorism in Nigeria.”
In a statement by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations on Thursday, the Army said other terrorists are encouraged to also surrender or face total annihilation. It added that the new name of the operation states ‘achievement of total peace is a must’.
“Citizens are please requested to continue providing useful information to security agencies that will lead to apprehension of all known terrorists.”, the army advised.
Meanwhile, the Army said its troops have discovered and raided yet another Boko Haram fuel dump at Abbaganaram area of Maiduguri in Borno.
Army spokesman, Col. Rabe Abubakar, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, said the fuel dump was raided Wednesday, following a tip-off by well meaning citizens.
Usman said one person was arrested while several items were confiscated during the operation in the city. “During the operation, one person, Musa Abba, was arrested and the following items were discovered and confiscated; 11 drums of AGO and one empty drum.
“Other items include 192 of 25 litres jerrycans, out of which 70 were loaded with AGO, PMS and DPK, a Toyota bus, one Peugeot car, a motorcycle and an air conditioner.’’, he said.
The spokesman said the fuel depot was used to stockpile Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants for Boko Haram terrorists for onward movement to the terrorists’ camps in Sambisa forest.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of public support which he said was partly responsible for the level of successes recorded in the renewed operations. “Over time we have been exhorting the public especially the residents of parts of the North Eastern affected by the insurgency to cooperate fully with the military and the security agencies.
“It is gratifying to note that such call is being heeded to by overwhelming majority of people as exemplified by the courageous and patriotic efforts of the good citizens that exposed this fuel dump in their midst.
“It is important that people should see the fight against the security menace of Boko Haram terrorism as collective responsibility.
“Therefore the public are kindly requested to be more vigilant and assist with useful information that would assist in preventing Boko Haram terrorists from carrying out their nefarious activities against the society,” he advised.
However, reports said as Nigerians were celebrating the country’s 55th independence anniversary, the insurgents struck Kirchinga village in Adamawa state, slitting the throats of five residents of the area in an early morning attack.
The village is the hometown of former acting governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri which had been cleared of terrorists by Nigerian troops.