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Troops foil ISWAP’s planned attack on ‘terrorists’

By Odita Sunday (Abuja), Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) and Joseph Wantu (Makurdi)
05 October 2021   |   4:00 am
The Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP)’s resort to attacks on surrendered Boko Haram members and their families has been thwarted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

Nigerian Troops PHOTO:Twitter

Apere’s death a huge tragedy, says Ortom
The Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP)’s resort to attacks on surrendered Boko Haram members and their families has been thwarted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).

This antic of terror within terror, according to army spokesman, Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, is being employed by ISWAP to discourage terrorists intending to surrender.

The latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group, as top ranking commanders and members denounce terrorism to embrace peace in recent times.

“This palpable apprehension might have led ISWAP on Saturday, October 2, 2021, to embark on a mission to annihilate or capture BHTs that surrendered in Damboa. The gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade OPHK, whose superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, ensured Damboa did not fall to their antics.

The terrorists made futile attempt to access the facility housing the surrendered BHT members, but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of troops.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the good people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses, as vigilant troops would proactively continue to provide security to life and property. The general public is also enjoined to provide actionable and timely information on the activities of these criminal elements and their collaborators,” Nwachukwu stated.

IN another development, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Army and the Olupako of Share, Oba Haruna Suleiman, as well as the entire Share community over the death of Brig-Gen. Dayod Apere, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).

Ortom said the death of Apere on Saturday, October 2, 2021, while battling an undisclosed ailment, is a huge tragedy to Nigeria’s war against terrorism.

He described the death of the General as a big blow to the army, and Benue State, which had been contending with Fulani militia and bandits.

Ortom recalled the contributions of OPWS under the command of Apere fighting criminality in Benue, saying it was instrumental in the relative peace the state is enjoying.

The governor said he was personally pained over the death because the late General was a true partner in Benue government’s fight against Fulani herdsmen, who invaded the state and attacked unarmed farming communities, killing and dispossessing them of their farmlands.

He prayed God to grant the Apere family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

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