Nigerian Army makes further progress, rescues 1,600 captives from Boko Haram

Nigerien soldiers hold up a Boko Haram flag that they had seized in the recently retaken town of Damasak, Nigeria, March 18, 2015. Chadian and Nigerien soldiers took the town from Boko Haram militants earlier this week. The Nigerian army said on Tuesday it had repelled Boko Haram from all but three local government districts in the northeast, claiming victory for its offensive against the Islamist insurgents less than two weeks before a presidential election. Picture taken March 18. REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun - RTR4TZO2

The Nigerian Army on Monday said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast killed 21 Boko Haram fighters in Jarawa area of Borno State.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman in a statement said 1, 623 residents of Jarawa were rescued during the operation.

He said, “Troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation Lafiya Dole, assisted by 10 Civilian JTF based on information received, today, Monday 17th April 2017, embarked on an offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.”

“While advancing, the troops came under heavy fire at Jarawa village. The troops responded decisively and went further to clear Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements.

“During the operation, the troops neutralized 21 Boko Haram terrorists, rescued 1,623 residents of Jarawa, who were held captives by the terrorists. They also recovered 3 AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 Hand Grenade, 12 Cutlasses and 4 Motorcycles.”

He said the rescued persons have been escorted to Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, while all the children were vaccinated.