Troops capture ISWAP fighter, neutralise top commander, 24 others in Borno

An ISWAP fighter has been arrested alive, and a high-ranking commander named Abu Umar Bundi Munzir was eliminated along with 24 other militants in Borno state.

This was as a result of an aborted joint attack on the Kukareta community by soldiers from Operation HADIN KAI, an important military campaign that fights insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

It has been reported that the insurgents tried to attack the community but were stopped by the army. In the clash that ensued, the army managed to thwart the attack, resulting in casualties among the attackers, including the senior commander.

This was revealed by Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai, in a statement made to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Maiduguri on Thursday.

According to NAN reports, the insurgents made a bid to overrun the location in a coordinated attack, which started early Thursday in the night but were firmly engaged by soldiers of Sector 2 and pushed back until about 3:00 a.m.

Also, Maj-Gen. Abubakar revealed that one of those neutralized in the clash is said to be the commander of the terrorists, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir.

He further added that another total of 24 terrorists were also neutralized in the operation, making a total of 25 terrorists eliminated.

“The soldiers also carried out search operations in the area, and discovered a significant arsenal of weapons from the enemy, comprising 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT automatic anti-aircraft machine guns and three RPG launcher tubes.”

”Others include two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines and numerous rounds of belted 7.62mm ammunition,” he added.

The casualties reported by the officer include two soldiers who sustained gunshot injuries and have been stabilized, while an armored vehicle suffered tyre damage amid the crossfire.

The officer went ahead to explain that other operations of exploitation continue, with bodies of fleeing terrorists and equipment of the same having been found amid blood stains and medical supplies.

The army spokesman characterized the raid as a great success in counter-insurgency operations in North East theatre, stating that pressure will be continued to deny freedom to the terrorists.