Troops rescue Chibok girls, 122 others from terrorists

• Kill B’Haram commander, others as 510 terrorists surrender
• Constant training key to countering security threat, says COAS

No fewer than 122 civilians, including two Chibok schoolgirls, have been rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North East.

According to the Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, the rescued civilians comprise 72 children and 49 females.

The disclosure was made during a briefing on troops’ activities and operational successes recorded in the various theatres within the six geo-political zones of the country.

In the past two weeks, he noted, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, with significant results recorded.

His words: “Troops of the Joint Task Force, OPHK, in the North East have sustained and continued to dominate the joint area of operations. Operational activities were conducted in villages, forests, mountains, towns and cities of Gwoza, Bama, Biu, Kukawa, Monguno, Marte, Damboa, Mobbar and Konduga local councils of Borno State.

“Operational activities were also conducted in Michika and Madagali local councils of Adamawa State, as well as Damaturu Local Council In Yobe State. Several raids, fighting patrols and ambush operations were carried out to curb the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements within the joint area of operations.”

He added that between April 29 to May 3, 2023, troops carried out clearance operation in villages and forest areas within Kaga, Damboa, Ngala and Gwoza local councils of Borno, made contact with terrorists and neutralised 40 of them, arrested 25, including eight logistics suppliers, rescued 131 abducted civilians, while 510 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families, comprising 54 adult males, 164 adult females and 292 children, surrendered to troops at different locations.

All recovered items, and apprehended suspects have been reportedly handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has said that constant training of personnel is key to countering any security threat.

He stated this, yesterday while declaring open the one-week Nigerian Army (NA) Inter Formation Combat Cross Country Competition 2023, at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Small Arms Range, Miango, in Jos, Plateau State.

While charging the participants to take advantage of the competition to build their endurance for fighting efficiency during military operations, the COAS noted that training in rough terrains requires endurance and teamwork.

Represented by the Commandant, Nigerian Army Amour School, Maj-Gen. Adewale Adekeye, the COAS reiterated that the army would continue to place high premium on qualitative training of its personnel across board.

He explained that the competition would enhance combat proficiency of troops towards discharging their roles as professional soldiers.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, noted that the competition was aimed at promoting team spirit and healthy competition among NA formations while building their endurance.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, 3 Division Headquarters, Brig-Gen. David Kurmi, the GOC thanked the COAS for approving 3 Divisions to host the event.

According to him, physical training and exercise are key to physical and mental well-being of an individual, urging the participants to take advantage of the competition to build their stamina.

The participants for the competition, drawn from all the formations of the NA, will be competing for a five-kilometre combat race through difficult terrain, beam heaving, sit up, push up, vertical rope, climbing and step bench test. They will also be subjected to 15 kilometres combat cross-country race.