The Operation Lafiya Dole Theatre Command said it rescued 7, 898 persons in its anti-terrorism operations in the North-East between February 2 and March 1.
The Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, said this while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Irabor pointed out that some of the persons were suspected Boko Haram terrorists arrested during counter terrorism operations.
‘A total of 7,898 civilians were rescued/arrested as Boko Haram terrorists.
“Two others surrendered to our troops during our operations conducted between Feb. 2 and March 1.
“Eight foreigners comprising four Chadians, three Nigerians and One Cameroonian were also arrested,” he said.
He named some of the Nigerians arrested to include, Hassan Adamu, who was arrested in Mafa Headquarters of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno.
“On Feb. 16 at about 1425 hours, our troops deployed at Mafa intercepted one Hassan Adamu, aged 27 years.
“Some reidents fetching fire wood informed the troops that the suspect was trying to infiltrate into Mafa town.
“The suspect has confessed being a Boko Haram terrorist member, who is tired of their ideology and wanted to surrender. He is in custody undergoing interrogation,” he said.
Irabor said that the troops also arrested one Ari Arimaye, another suspected terrorist in similar circumstance.
“On Feb. 21 at about 1630 hours, our troops intercepted a suspected terrorist named, Ari Arimaye a native of Bula-Umari village, who disguised as an IDP to gain access into IDPs camp at Bani.
“The suspect was searched and N1.2 million and CA 160000 were found in his possession, concealed in a black sack,” he said.
