The clearance operations by the Combat Team on Friday resulted in the rescue of 78 kidnapped victims comprising 35 women and 43 children.
Six villages where the terrorists were operating were successfully cleared by the troops.
The villages cleared are Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, Bula Dalo extension, Yamanci, and Gargaji all in Borno State.
A statement on Saturday by the Director, Nigerian Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the feat was achieved after a fierce gun battle with the terrorists.
The statement read, “Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army have continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterpart in North East Nigeria.
“In an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, March 22, 2024, by a Combat Team of the Division, troops successfully cleared six villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.
“During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating five of the terrorists. The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.
“The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas. Items recovered are one terrorist’s flag and a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists. The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.
“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents.”
The PUNCH reports that troops in various theatres of operations have killed several terrorists.
In the last one week, troops killed 106 and arrested 103 terrorists.
