By Augustine Ehikioya
Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation HADIN KAI has foiled the moves by the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) to attack members of Boko Haram sect, who have surrendered.
The ISWAP members were overpowered by the troops in Damboa.
A statement on Sunday by the Director Army Public Raltions,
Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA), said “The Islamic State of West African Province(ISWAP), confronted with the obvious reality of defeat embarked on a desperate move to undermine the unprecedented depletion in its fighting force, have resorted to attacks on surrendered Boko Haram members and their families.
“This antic of terror within terror is being employed by ISWAP to discourage intending surrendering terrorists in their ranks. The latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group as top ranking commanders and members denounce violent agitation to embrace peace in recent times.
“This palpable apprehension might have led ISWAP on Saturday, 2 October, 2021 to embark on a mission to annihilate or capture BHTs, who surrendered in Damboa. The gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation HADIN KAI whose superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, ensured Damboa did not fall to their antics.
“The terrorists made futile attempt to access the facility housing the surrendered BHT members, but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of own troops,” it added.
The Nigerian Army (NA), the statement said, wished to reassure the good people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses “as vigilant troops would proactively continue to provide security of lives and property.
“The general public are also enjoined to provide actionable and timely information on the activities of these criminal elements and their collaborators,” it stated.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending troops for their doggedness, had charged them to take the fight to the terrorists’ enclaves “to deny them freedom of action.”
The Army Chief also reassured them of requisite support as they record more operational gains in Operation HADIN KAI.