By Victor Akaa.
In a testament to their bravery and professionalism, the military troops have arrested a Chinese national and several suspected terrorist collaborators in Borno and Yobe states, the Defence Headquarters announced on Thursday.
The troops also eliminated scores of terrorists, and several other milestone achievements during the onslaught against insurgents, bandits, oil bunkerers and other related criminal elements across the country.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations disclosed this during a press briefing on the operational achievements by the Nigerian military troops and other security agencies in Abuja.
He noted that several arrests were made between June 5 and 7 as part of a broader crackdown on terrorist groups in the region.
Fielding questions from journalists, Major General Markus Kangye addressed concerns regarding the arrest of a Chinese national, stating that detailed information about the arrest would be provided after the investigation is concluded. He assured the public that the military would furnish them with all necessary details once the interrogation is completed.
““Why was he in an operational area where our troops were conducting operations? That is the first question we are going to ask. So the Chinese national has been detained and he is undergoing interrogation.
“When the interrogation is completed, they will be able to furnish you with the details of why he was there in the first place, how he was arrested, whether he was the only one there, or he had accomplices.
All this will be unfolded after further investigation has been carried out. So just calm down. Everything will be good. ” He noted.
Some of the items recovered from the suspects include a vehicle, motorcycle, mobile phones, and a Chinese international passport. The Chinese national’s arrest raises questions about the extent of international involvement in the region’s terrorist activities. The suspects are currently in custody, undergoing further investigation to determine the full extent of their involvement with terrorist groups.
Speaking further, the Director said the operation by the troops within the period was a success, which demonstrated the military’s commitment to tackling terrorism and insurgency in the country.
The suspects were believed to have provided logistical support to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), two notorious terrorist groups responsible for years of violence and instability in the region.
The military’s efforts during the week yielded significant results, with several terrorists killed, three kidnapped victims rescued, and terrorist camps and facilities destroyed.
The arrests and operations are a clear indication of the military’s bravery and professionalism in the face of terrorism.
Our correspondent said the military’s success in forcing several terrorists, including men, women, and children, to surrender between June 6 and 11 is a testament to the effectiveness of their strategy. The sustained military pressure has made it increasingly difficult for terrorist groups to operate in the region, and the arrests and surrenders are a significant step towards restoring peace and stability.
The Defence Headquarters commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, highlighting the importance of their work in keeping the country safe. The operation is a demonstration of the military’s commitment to protecting the nation and its citizens from the threat of terrorism.
