Nigerian Army neutralizes Boko Haram commander Abu Rijab, others in Borno

The Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that its troops successfully neutralized notorious Boko Haram commander Abu Rijab, along with other terrorist fighters, during an offensive operation conducted on Saturday.

The operation took place in Bula Daloye, located in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The news was shared via a post on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, highlighting that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to apply sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves, which has also led to the surrender of numerous terrorists and their families.

“Following an intense firefight, the troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralising three, including a wanted Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab.

“The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and mobile phones.

“Additionally, eight terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area.

“The same troops also apprehended two suspects in Konduga Local Government Area with 52 bags of illicit drugs intended for supply to terrorists,” it said.

The post also revealed that troops operating in Taraba apprehended the chairman of Gassol Local Government Area Hunters’ Association, Alhaji Adamu Tanko, for selling an AK-47 rifle to a suspected terrorist.

It said that the investigation had revealed that the weapon had been recovered during a joint operation against terrorists in Boki Lamba, a border town with Plateau.

In Plateau, the service said its troops apprehended two suspected criminal elements in the Rikkos area of Jos North Local Government Area.

According to the post, troops recovered a fabricated rifle and mobile phones containing images of various calibres of arms and ammunition.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their resilience and commitment.

“He also expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support of the Nigerian army, sister services, and other security agencies through credible and actionable information about criminal activities,” it added. (NAN)