h. BHT Attack on Kangarwa. Own troops deployed in Kangarwa came under Boko Haram attack on 6 Nov 16 at about 1640 hours. The attack, which lasted for about 4 hours, was successfully repelled and the insurgents were decisively dealt with. In the fierce encounter, the troops killed 13 insurgents, captured I Hilux vehicle while 2 other Hilux vehicles were destroyed. Additionally, the troops captured one Browning Machine Gun, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 2 General Purpose Machine Guns, one Light Machine Gun, 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 4 x AK 47 Rifles, 5 Bombs for Rocket Propelled Grenade and 550 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition. Sadly, we lost one soldier and 4 others were injured. The injured soldiers are responding to treatment in own hospital.
i. Operation RESCUE FINALE. Operation RESCUE FINALE commenced on 2 Nov 16. It is the continuation of Operation CRACK DOWN and is aimed at rescuing all the CHIBOK School Girls and other hostages held in SAMBISA Forest. Preliminary bombardment of selected targets by own Artillery and Air Component is in progress. The subsidiary operations allied to Operation RESCUE FINALE, are ongoing and would be touched subsequently.
j. On 5 Nov 16 at about 1000hrs own troops conducted a decisive clearing operation into the BHT strategic hub town of CHUKUNGUDU on the southern fringes of the LAKE CHAD region. The troops successfully cleared and liberated GERAM, BULANKASSA and the BHT stronghold of CHUKUNGUDU. The troops rescued 85 people held hostage by insurgents and killed 5 BHT fighters in an encounter that saw several BHT running into the LAKE CHAD water. Also, an IED making factory was discovered and destroyed at GERAM. In the factory, several already prepared suicide bombers vest were recovered by the EOD team. Two BHT vehicles were destroyed while one was captured. Also, several newly acquired motorcycles were destroyed. A well-equipped BHT workshop for vehicle and motorcycle repairs, as well as a spare parts warehouse was also destroyed at CHUKUNGUDU.
k. As a result of the concentrated Arty and Air bombardment, on 18 Nov 16, 7 x BHT with their weapons and ammo bandoliers were captured at Yemteke while they were running away from Sambisa Forest. Also, same day at Pulka, 5 x BHT (4 males and 1 female) were intercepted while escaping from Ngoshe.
l. On the 19 Nov 16, a ground clearance operation was conducted to Ngoshe and Gara to exploit gains of the Arty and Air bombardment. On sighting own troops approaching, the BHT fled. In the operation, am IED manufacturing factory was discovered and destroyed. Several equipment belonging to the BHT were equally recovered as shown. A total of 63 hostages comprising 40 Adult females, 20 x children and 3 Adult males were rescued. The rescued persons are presently in IDP Camp undergoing screening.
m. Yale Operation. On 19 Nov 16, own troops from 21 Bde carried out clearance operations to destroy Boko Haram economic hub at Yale market. The troops in conjunction with civilian JTF killed 11 Boko Haram insurgents and captured 2 x AK 47 rifles, 785 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 9 x AK 49 Magazines, 6 x Bandolier, one Binocular, 7 x Handsets, one Camera, 3 x Bundles of IED strip wires. The troops also successfully destroyed 11 Motorcycles, 400 Bicycles, Grains and Condiments. Troops successfully cleared an ambush laid for them by Boko Haram on their way back to their locations.
n. Arrest of a BHT Suspect. On 30 Oct 16 at about 1320hrs, own troops at PULKA arrested one BHT suspect named Kadiri Umate aged 35 yrs from JIMINI village. The suspect in company of other BHT suspects was intercepted at FIRGI BHT crossing point while crossing from ZAWAN village towards SAMBISA axis. Troops pursued the insurgents but were able to apprehend the aforementioned suspect while others fled into the bush. Items recovered include 35 packs of 500ml Glucose Intravenous Infusion (drip), assorted pain killer drugs, clothes, slippers, insecticide, salt, kola nuts and a bicycle. The suspect has been undergoing interrogation.
o. Arrest of BHT Food Supplier. On 4 Nov 16 at about 1300hrs, own troops at BENISHEIK arrested a suspected BHT food supplier, one Abdullahi Abur at BENISHEIK market in KAGA LGA of BORNO State. The arrest was made possible based on intelligence gathered from a BHT suspect earlier arrested at SASSAWA village in DAMATURU LGA of YOBE State. The suspect, Abdullahi Abur was alleged to be responsible for purchasing logistics from BENISHEIK and covertly delivering it to BHT in TALALA and AJIGIN general areas of DAMBOA LGA of BORNO State. Suspect is in custody undergoing further investigation.
p. Arrest of Suspected Weapons. On 13 Nov 16 at about 2130hrs, own troops at FOB POTISKUM arrested a trailer truck with registration number YOBE (XA 960 NGU) along POTISKUM – AZARE road en route KANO based on information from DSS. The truck was arrested with 22 sharpened new cutlasses, a knife, 7 catapults, 5 military belts, 41 iron rollers, 9 sharpened iron rods, 6 hollow irons, a first aid box, 2 tents and various black and red flags of IMN sect. The driver and 2 other persons were arrested with the truck. The suspects and items have been handed over to the NP for further action.
q. Ambush by Troops. On 20 Nov 16 at about 1810hrs own troops at KASASEWA village intercepted 2 BHT on a motorcycle. The troops immediately engaged and neutralized the BHT. The troops later recovered 2 FN rifles a motorcycle, 2 FN magazine and 18 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 pages of medical shopping list, tablets, capsules, syrups and intravenous fluid were found in the pockets of the killed insurgents.
r. Arrest of BHT Logistics Supplier. A suspected BHT supplier was arrested with some motorcycles loaded in a pick-up vehicle. He has since been undergoing interrogation.
s. IED/Ambush on Own Troops. On 15 Nov 16 at about 0930hrs own troops while on patrol to MUBI encountered an IED explosion along Bitta–Pirang road and thereafter were ambushed by BHT. Troops successfully cleared the ambush after a fight and unfortunately the Commanding Officer; Lt Col BU Umar lost his life on the spot. Subsequently, Lt Muktar also died in the hospital where 8 others soldiers who are wounded in action were receiving treatment. The wounded soldiers have been responding to treatment.
t. Induction of Maritime Component in the Theatre. The advance party for the Maritime Component of Op LAFIYA DOLE has been inducted into the Theatre on 8 Sep 16. They will be deployed at Naval Outpost BAGA and will later operate around the fringes of Nigerian side of LAKE CHAD. However, they are now temporarily accommodated at the Federal College of Fresh Water Fishery Technology in BAGA awaiting arrival of main body and other logistics. Currently, they are conducting patrols in conjunction with troops of MNJTF brigade at BAGA.
u. Recent Suicide Bombings in Maiduguri. The impact of recent bombings in Maiduguri, though sad and unfortunate, was minimal due to the alertness of troops and other security agencies. Apart from the one wherein 2 CJTF personnel were killed and some others wounded, only the terrorists died, while one was captured alive. The captured suicide bomber is assisting in the investigation into cases of suicide bombings. The incidents are only indicative of a weakened and defeated BHT. Their ignoble adventure is destined to fail totally.
In all the operations, a total of 5,235 people were rescued from the BHT.
3. Meanwhile, I wish to remind the general public to be more alert and security conscious with their environment, especially when a strange face comes around. I also commiserate with all the victims of the recent suicide bombings by BHT within the Theatre. We shall continue to work to ensure the safety of lives of every citizen.
Let me once again use this medium to remind the remnants of BHT that their miserable days are numbered because their future is going to be disastrous if they fail to surrender and lay down their arms. Let me therefore; encourage them to take advantage of this window of opportunity now to surrender, as failure to do so would be hugely regretted.
4. On that note, let me sincerely thank the general public and other stakeholders for the immense support rendered to Op LAFIYA DOLE. We remain committed to our mandate and would not be distracted by whatever means. Thank you and God bless.
Leo Irabor
Maiduguri Major General
November 2016 Theatre Commander
Operation LAFIYA DOLE
