By Augustine Ehikioya
Working on a tip off, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested a high profile Boko Haram member, Yawi Modu, who has been on the wanted list.
The troops also successfully raided Boko Haram Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials hub in Damboa and Gashua Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe States respectively.
A press statement issued on Thursday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the latest operational feats were recorded following robust operations conducted by troops of OPHK.
He said “Following a tip off, a wanted BHT/ISWAP terrorist, one Yawi Modu, who has been on the wanted list was nabbed along Damboa-Wajiroko road.”
On the IED materials seized, he said “Relatedly, troops have successfully busted a Urea Fertilzer syndicate known for supplying terrorists with IED materials. The market is believed to be the notorious hub for IED materials for BHT/ISWAP.
“These ISWAP criminals facing the reality of obvious depletion are desperately acquiring IED materials to make explosive devices with which to unleash terror on innocent civilians, in a bid to remain relevant and present a posture of potency.
“In the sting operation conducted, a total of Two Hundred and Eighty One 50Kg bags of Urea were recovered from the warehouses in the market and two notorious BHT distributors were also arrested,” he added.
He recalled that Urea fertilizer has been banned by Government because of its use as a major component for manufacturing IED by terrorists.
According to him, “The suspects and materials recovered are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, the statement said commended the vigilance and resilence of the troops, and also reassured “them of his support in decisively tackling the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.”