Military intercepts terrorist escapees, arrests spies, logistics suppliers
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Military intercepts terrorist escapees, arrests spies, logistics suppliers
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
At least 21 women and children have surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno State after escaping terrorist captivity amid clashes between rival insurgent factions in the North-East.
The Defence Headquarters said the development was recorded on September 2, 2026, when the group surrendered to troops at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims reportedly fled the Yaganari terrorist enclave following ongoing clashes between rival factions.
The military also disclosed that two other persons escaped terrorist captivity during the period under review, citing hunger and harsh conditions in the insurgents’ camps.
According to the Defence Headquarters, one of the escapees was intercepted around Sabsawa in Bama LGA on August 31, while another was intercepted near Amuda Bridge in Gwoza LGA on September 2.
READ ALSO: Troops rescue 23 women, children after three weeks in captivity
The development came as troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensive operations against terrorists in Borno and Yobe states.
The troops recorded several engagements with terrorists during the four-day period, killing suspected insurgents and recovering weapons and explosive devices.
On September 1, troops encountered a command-detonated Improvised Explosive Device along the Miyanti-Banki Junction Main Supply Route in Bama LGA.
The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of one terrorist, while a rifle, ammunition and an IED initiator were recovered.
In Yobe State, troops ambushed terrorists at Lamusuri Crossing Point in Gujba LGA, killing one suspected terrorist and recovering a rifle and ammunition.
The military also reported the arrest of several suspected members of terrorist logistics and intelligence networks.
On August 31, troops arrested a suspect in Konduga LGA while he was allegedly conveying foodstuffs destined for a terrorist enclave in Bama.
Similarly, troops arrested a suspected former terrorist fighter turned informant at Damasak in Mobbar LGA on September 1.
Several terrorist fighters also surrendered to troops between September 1 and 2, while suspected logistics suppliers, informants and spies were arrested across the theatre.
On September 3, troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy who was allegedly loitering along the Kauwa-Kukawa Road in Kukawa LGA of Borno State.
The Defence Headquarters said all surrendered persons and rescued victims had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The military also disclosed successes in other theatres, including the rescue of kidnapped victims and the dismantling of criminal networks in the North-Central and South-East.
In Benue State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised one of two suspected terrorists encountered along the Gbise-Igyudu Road in Katsina-Ala LGA on September 2. A pistol, rifle magazine, ammunition and assorted charms were recovered.
In Kogi State, troops reportedly compelled kidnappers who abducted two women at Ajodomodo Village in Dekina LGA to abandon their victims unharmed in Agbodakodo Forest.
Meanwhile, troops conducting a clearance operation at Peva in Takum LGA of Taraba State arrested five suspected gang members and recovered ammunition while efforts continued to apprehend a wanted gang leader.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested two suspects in Mbosi, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, for allegedly providing medical treatment to secessionist elements operating from camps.
Another suspected member of a secessionist syndicate was arrested during a raid at the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State.
The Defence Headquarters said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Oluyede, commended the troops and other security agencies for their collaboration in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and secessionist agitation.
The military urged Nigerians, traditional rulers and community leaders to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing operations.
