Nigerian soldiers involved in counter terrorism

The Nigerian troops combing Dikwa and Jakana in Borno state, have arrested a man, linked with food supplies to Boko Haram terrorists.

The arrested man was identified as ‘Madu’, a name borne only by Igbo speaking Nigerians.

A statement issued in Abuja by Colonel Sani Usman, the army spokesman said Madu, who was arrested in the village of Jehu, co-ordinated the buying of food items from neighbouring villages for the terrorists.

Usman also announced the arrest of Mai Mustapha, the fuel supplier to Boko Haram terrorists.

They were all arrested during a routine operation by troops of the 7 Division Garrison.

Usman also said the troops discovered piles of street lamp poles used in making Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) by Boko Haram insurgents.

“During the painstaking operation, the troops of 7 Division Garrison, in a cordon and search operation in Jakana village, also recovered 15 cows, 174 goats and a donkey from rustlers.

“The animals have since been handed over to their identified legitimate owners while the rustlers have been apprehended and are currently undergoing investigation,’’ Usman said.

He said that troops on operation early Thursday morning dislodged elements that attacked Dumbuluwa village in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Usman said that the soldiers killed eight of the insurgents while two members of the vigilante group were injured by Improvised Explosive Devices fragments during the operation.

He said that the operations would continue in the area until all elements were dislodged from the hideouts and arrested for possible prosecution.