ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Nigerian Army said troops in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East have captured two Boko Haram commanders, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, and apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers, Mallam Mustapha Ismaila and Abdulmudalabi Haruna, in Borno State.
Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Yamode and Usman were captured after they infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday, August 4.
Troops acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists’ movements were said to have apprehended the suspects.
The Army said the suspects, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp, had previously led attacks on troops in the area.
The troops also apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, Mallam Mustapha Ismaila, 49, and Abdulmudalabi Haruna, 30, and rescued two minors during the operations, the Army said.
“Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families have surrendered to troops stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas. The surrendering came at the heels of upscaled operations against the terrorists.
“In another operation in Yobe State on 4 August 2024, three Boko Haram collaborators were arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area. During preliminary investigation, the suspects admitted to being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities in the general area. Items recovered from the suspects include two motorcycles and several mobile phones.
“In Kogi State, troops arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Egbe Community of Yagba Local Government Area. The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialized in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist.
“The same troops responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident involving the former Chairman of Kabba Local Government Area. They engaged the terrorists in Egbe Forest, capturing one suspect and rescuing the victim. He has since been reunited with his family,” the Army said.
The Army further disclosed that troops in Ebonyi State responded to a distress call about a kidnap incident in Ezza-Umuhuali Village of Ishielu Local Government Area.
“The troops aborted the kidnap attempt and arrested a suspect in possession of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, 48 different international passports, and other assorted items,” the statement reads in part.
