The Nigerian
Army in a statement released by the Deputy Director Public Relations of 8
Division, Colonel Timothy Antigha, said Over 700 farmers, fishermen regain
freedom from Boko Haram.
According to
Timothy,
‘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; such as communication centres,
fabrication yards, 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’.
The statement
also said,
‘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 centres.
It could be recalled that 2 weeks ago the initial wave of Boko Haram abductees
who regained freedom following an offensive military operation in Chikun Gudu
were similarly received in Monguno’.
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