Troops Over-run Boko Haram Hideouts in Abaganaram; Kill 2 Terrorists, Capture 11, uncover IEDs; UNDP Team on IDPs visits Theatre Command.

Operation Lafiya Dole troops in a Joint Counter Insurgency Operation with Cameroonian Defence Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force in the northern hinterlands of Borno State on Thursday over ran a Boko Haram hide out in Bukar Maryam and Abaganaram villages of Borno state.  

The gallant troops overpowered the insurgents, killing two of them and capturing 11 men after a fierce fire fight, during an operation to clear the surrounding villages of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists. 

The troops recovered two Multi Purpose Rocket Grenade Launcher ( Police Tear Gas Gun), one Rocket Propelled Gun Charger, two AK 47 Rifle magazines with 20 Rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and one magazine vest.  

Other logistics, including three motorcycles, one power generating set, a tool box, a pair of Camouflage, one military-type belt and one Boko Haram flag were also captured from the routed insurgents by the troops.  

In a related operation, Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (EOD) of Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday successfully uncovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists in Doro Naira village to wreak havoc on the community.  

The vigilant troops made the discovery during a Counter IED operation sweeping the general area of IEDs. The IEDs have been safely detonated by the EOD team.  

Meanwhile, a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) team working on the integration and stabilization of internally displaced persons in North Eastern Nigeria on Friday paid a fact finding visit to the headquarters Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole.  

Receiving the team in his office the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicholas affirmed that the theatre is open to all registered NGOs and agencies, which he said have been working cooperatively with the Theatre Command to improve the welfare of conflict victims in the North East.

He noted further that as humanitarian stakeholders, it is expedient to work together in the theatre of operation.  

Giving an insight into the operational activities of Operation Lafiya Dole, General Nicholas told the team of the impending Operation Last Hold, which he described as an operation driven by civil – military activities geared towards giving back the IDPs their lives and supporting them to return to their communities through provision of agricultural implements for farming and fishing, rebuilding of accommodation structures,  provision of medical support and seedlings.  

He added that the troops will also provide security for the IDPs during the farming season.  

 The Theatre Commander urged for support and cooperation of the UNDP and other International agencies as well as the Borno State Government during the operation.  

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Mathew Alao disclosed that the team was in Theatre Command to rub minds on critical issues relating to the reintegration and stabilization of IDPs in the North East theater of operation.

He lauded the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for their efforts in countering terrorism and insurgency in the region.  

 

Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, DDPR,

Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole