The Military hierarchy says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed no fewer than 200 terrorists at Gauchene in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
It disclosed that the offensive that led routing of the insurgents was a joint land and air coordinated attack.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Musa Madami, made the disclosure while briefing the media on military operations across the country in Abuja on Thursday.
He also said 52 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters were killed and 14 others arrested during encounters in Kukawa, Dikwa, Bama, Kaga, Monguno, Guzamala, Konduga, Gwoza and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He said: “Troops also rescued three abducted Chibok girls named Jinkai Yama, Falmata Lawal and Asabe Ali, who were on Serial 3, 20 and 24 of the abducted Chibok girls list. They were rescued at different locations with their children and 19 other abductees.
“Furthermore, troops recovered two unexploded grenades, 12 AK-47 rifles, three FN rifles, five AK-47 magazine, one automatic grenade launcher, one hand grenade, one AP mine, 86 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one motorcycle, 16 bows and arrows, seven bicycles and 10 mobile phones.
“Also, a suspected foreign logistic supplier and arms dealer to the Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province, named Mallam Abatcha Bukar, was equally arrested with assorted injections, two Automated Teller Machine cards and N294,520.00.
“Also, a total of 556 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families, comprising 115 adult males, 189 females and 252 children surrendered to troops at different locations. All arrested suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authority while the surrendered terrorists and their families are being profiled for further action.”