Soldiers arrest Boko Haram recruitment officer, 54 others

Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday that a key terrorist, who specialises in recruiting young men into the fold of terrorism, has been apprehended by troops in Maiduguri.

The recruitment officer, an ex-soldier, was arrested after a tip off just as some terrorists in the camps dislodged, fled towards Niger Republic.

The arrested terrorist, said to be watching over the insurgents’ armoury met his waterloo during one of the stop-and-search operations by the special forces.

Also, a total of 49 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were apprehended in various locations in Yobe State following a tip off by locals in some communities.

Another group of five insurgents, all Nigerians were equally arrested when troops stormed their hideout at Mallam Fatori as they attempted to escape in two Toyota Cruiser Jeeps.

Among the recent recoveries were rifles, double barrel guns, charms and amulets, machine guns, camouflage uniform, bows and quiver and assorted rifle magazine.

Others were handsets, walkie talkies, car number plates and some food items while abandoned vehicles recovered include a Golf car, a Honda, Customs Pickup Van, Honda (2003 Model) and a Volkswagen Monte Carlo.

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, also said in Abuja on Wednesday that the troops have continued to patrol the notorious Sambisa forest, and cordoned off the Alou forest and Gwoza Hills.

He further said that police stations are now being reopened in some parts of Borno State.

Olukolade added that during the Yobe State operation, various weapons including AK 47 rifles, locally made pistols and ammunitions were recovered when the troops combed Rugan Fulani, Arikime, Afghanistan and Ngandu villages.

He also said that all the camps of the terrorists in the area had been dislodged while some of the insurgents fled towards Niger Republic.