Special Forces of 8 Division, NA and Air Task Force Ops Lafiya Dole Liberate Over 700 Farmers/Fishermen as Boko Haram Structures Collapse.

Special Forces of 8 division, Nigerian Army backed by Air fire support of the Air Task Force, Operation Lafiya Dole in sustained clearance operations against Boko Haram Terrorists in the Lake Chad area and communities, have liberated over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families hitherto used as slave workers by the terrorists.

The liberation of the large number of families signifies that Boko Haram structures in the Lake Chad vicinity and communities have been decapitated.

A statement confirming the rescue and clearance operation, signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Timothy Antigha said, “Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families who were hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno.

“The exodus of the former Boko Haram abductees is not unconnected to a follow up operation which was conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation Deep Punch 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities.

“The follow up operation which was conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation Lafiya Dole, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics.

“The infrastructures destroyed include Communication Centers, fabrication yards, and bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance.

“The ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival have therefore triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees to Monguno.

“So far, over 700 former Boko Haram abductees, comprising adult males, females and children have been received by troops of 242 Battalion in Monguno.

“Profiling of the displaced persons is on- going to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town.

“Preliminary Investigation will focus on finding out where wanted Boko Haram Commanders have migrated to.

“Meanwhile, 2 pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers.

Colonel Antigha recalled that 2 weeks ago the initial wave of Boko Haram abductees who regained freedom following an offensive military operation in Chikun Gudu was similarly received in Monguno.

Colonel Timothy Antigha

Deputy Director Public Relations

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