The Nigerian Army says 24 family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
An operational report made available on Saturday said the family members surrendered at about 4 p.m. on Thursday to troops of 112 Task Force Battalion.
They reportedly fled the Gasuwa and Yaganari terrorist enclaves after clashes between rival factions within the group. The Army said the surrendered family members had been profiled and documented for further action.
In another operation, troops of 212 Battalion, backed by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested two suspects during a raid in the Bewac general area.
The operation was carried out along Al-Ansar University Road in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council following intelligence on suspected terrorist activities.
“Troops arrested one suspect in possession of a magazine loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“The suspect claimed he received the magazine and ammunition from another civilian, who was subsequently arrested by the troops.
“A mobile phone was recovered from the second suspect, while both suspects and exhibits remained in military custody for further investigation,” it said.
The report also said troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment and CJTF arrested a suspected ISWAP logistics supplier and informant in Kekura, Damboa Local Government Area. He was arrested at his home over alleged links to the supply of food and mobile phones to terrorist camps.
In Kaduna, Operation Fansan Yamma troops foiled a kidnapping in Jurawa Village, Lere Local Government Area. Locals killed and mutilated five suspected kidnappers before troops arrived, while others fled after abandoning their victim.
The Army warned residents against taking the law into their hands and assured them of continued protection.
In Plateau, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, a locally made firearm, three phones and a military jungle hat during operations in Bassa. They also recovered 20 rustled cattle in Pankshin.
In Delta, three suspected cultists were arrested over an alleged murder and handed to police.
In Rivers, two suspects were arrested with about 125 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Ebocha. The suspects remained in custody while the products were handled according to Operation Delta Safe’s mandate.
