Brigadier-General Benard Onyeuko, Acting Director Defence Media Operations, on Thursday announced the rescue of twenty policemen abducted by terrorists.

The Policemen were kidnapped by terrorists during an attack on a police division at Buni Yadi, Yobe State, last Friday. Onyeuko, while speaking with newsmen in Abuja, said a total of 101 rustled livestock were also recovered.

“On 3 December 2021, the troops repelled a BHT/ISWAP terrorists’ attack in a fierce gun battle in Kala Balge LGA of Borno State. During the encounter, troops subdued the terrorist elements with superior firepower and neutralised no fewer than 26 of them,” said Onyekuo in a statement

“Troops also destroyed as well as captured several fighting equipment and vehicles of the terrorists. Regrettably, our gallant officers and soldiers paid the supreme prize. They are our heroes in the battle against terrorism. Other locations are; Gombi LGA of Adamawa State as well as Rann/Rumirgo villages and Biu, Bama, Mafa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State where some terrorists surrendered to own troops.

“Cumulatively, a total 62 terrorist elements were neutralized and 28 of them were arrested, while 54 assorted arms and 144 rounds of the different calibre of ammunition were recovered.

“Also, a total of 101 rustled livestock were recovered and 20 kidnapped NPF personnel, who were abducted when the terrorists attacked the Police Division, were rescued by own troops at Buni Yadi within the period.

“Additionally, a total of 192 terrorists and their families comprising 51 adult males, 67 adult females and 74 children surrounded to own troops within the period. The surrendered terrorists were properly profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions.

“Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji on 2 December 2021, in a coordinated clearance operation carried out at Ruwan Dawa, Garin Maza and Marke Yamma villages in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, neutralized several armed bandits while arms and ammunition recovered.

“Other locations in which troops’ operational efforts yielded significant results are; Kungumi, Jangeme, Ungwuwar Dodo and along Dogo Karfe – Kaura Namoda road, all in Zamfara State.”