The Nigerian Army has set free over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families held captive by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers in the Lake Chad.
The army added that this is as result of a follow up operation conducted by the Nigerian Airforce and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation Lafiya Dole, targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics; such as communication centres, fabrication yards, bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance. The deputy director, Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army , Col Timothy Antigha disclosed this yesterday in a statement to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
“ Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families who were hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno. “The exodus of the former Boko Haram abductees is not unconnected to a follow up operation which was conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation Deep Punch 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities”,
Col Antigha said. He said the follow up operation which was conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation Lafiya Dole, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics; such as communication centers, fabrication yards, bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance. Continuing Col Antigha said ,
” The ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival have therefore triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees to Monguno. “ So far, over 700 former Boko Haram abductees, comprising adult males, females and children have been received by troops of 242 Battalion in Monguno.
Profiling of the displaced persons is on- going to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town. “ Preliminary investigation will focus on finding out where wanted Boko Haram Commanders have migrated to. Meanwhile, two pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers”, he added. He recalled that two weeks ago the initial wave of Boko Haram abductees who regained freedom following an offensive military operation in Chikun Gudu were similarly received in Monguno