5 ISWAP terrorists killed as troops rescue 78 women, children in North East

• The vestiges of the ISWAP and their JAS counterpart in the beleaguered region were obliterated by the troops during the offensives

78 women and children were rescued in villages of Nigeria’s North East region during troops onslaught against terrorists.

Five Islamic State of West African Province and JAS terrorists were also killed during the clearance operations on the armed non-state actors enclaves by troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army.

The vestiges of the ISWAP and their JAS counterpart in the beleaguered region were obliterated by the troops during the offensives, Army headquarters said in a statement.

It said, “In an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, 22 March 2024, by a Combat Team (CT) of the Division, troops successfully cleared 6 villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.

“During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating 5 of the terrorists.

“The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.

“The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension.

“Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas.

“Items recovered are one terrorists’ flag, a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists.

“The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.

“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents”