Operatives of the Nigerian Army have thwarted an alleged extortion mission by suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in Yobe State, killing one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and logistics items during a series of intelligence-led operations.
The military said the operation disrupted an attempt by the terrorists to collect illegal levies from residents, dealing another blow to their revenue generation network in the North-East.
The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the 27 Task Force Brigade, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists in two Volkswagen Golf vehicles and on motorcycles.
The military said the suspects were reportedly heading to communities along the Paya Kafiya axis in Yobe State to extort money from residents when troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol on July 19.
“The troops made contact with the terrorists and immediately engaged them with overwhelming and superior firepower. During the ensuing firefight, one of the Volkswagen Golf vehicles was successfully engaged and immobilised, while its driver was neutralised,” the statement said.
It added that four other suspected terrorists abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds after they were unable to withstand the troops’ offensive.
The military disclosed that follow-up exploitation operations conducted on July 20 along the Paya Kafiya-Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle and several items believed to have supported the terrorists’ operations.
Items recovered included 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, one loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs comprising paracetamol and nicotine products, as well as mechanical tools suspected to have been used for terrorist logistics and sustainment.
Capt. Goni said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven military operations in disrupting terrorist activities and cutting off their sources of funding.
“The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the sustained offensive posture of Operation HADIN KAI in disrupting terrorist logistics, dismantling illicit revenue networks, and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North East Theatre,” he said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the region.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements and will continue to conduct intelligence-driven offensive operations, in synergy with other security agencies and with the continued support of law-abiding citizens, until terrorism is decisively defeated and enduring peace, security, and stability are fully restored across the region,” the statement added.
