Troops recover motorcycles, illicit drugs as ISWAP fighters flee clearance operation in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have recovered two motorcycles and illicit drugs after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists fled during a clearance operation in the Turoh general area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:45 a.m. on July 31 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Main), led by the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. A.S. Chiroma, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists within the Turoh axis.

According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the location, where the terrorists, on sighting the advancing soldiers, abandoned their position and retreated in disarray without engaging the troops.

The troops subsequently overran the suspected terrorist hideout and conducted exploitation of the area, recovering two motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing insurgents, as well as a quantity of illicit drugs left behind during the hasty withdrawal.

The troops also projected force to Kinnari village as part of the operation to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and search for any remaining elements. However, no contact was made in the area.

The operation was concluded successfully, with the troops returning safely to base at about 2:45 p.m. without casualties.

Military sources described the general security situation in the area as relatively calm but still unpredictable, noting that troops remain vigilant and committed to sustaining offensive operations against the insurgents.

The latest operation is part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting the movement and logistics of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across the North-East.