Photos: Troops arrest 33 food suppliers of Boko Haram, rescue men, women and children

Press statement from the Nigerian Military below

Intensive patrols and vigilance of troops have continued to yield positive results with the arrest of 33 suspected food suppliers to the Boko Haram terrorists in Damboa axis around Azir-Wajiroko road, Borno State. The 33 suspected Boko Haram accomplices were arrested with large quantity of food stuffs meant for Boko Haram terrorists at Korode.

Nine of the 33 suspects are from Korode, 5 from Auma, 10 fromGeargube, 4 from Kausautaya, 4 from Bulbul and 1 from Dolomi villages. Although some of the suspects claimed to be traders, they did not however deny buying and selling food items to the terrorists. Interrogation is still ongoing to further unravel the level of involvement of the suspects.

In a related development, troops during clearance operations of Boko Haram hideouts, have discovered and successfully destroyed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram terrorists at Sandia village along Korode road. Furthermore, more men, women and children were rescued from the terrorists at Buduwa area along Bama axis.

The rescued persons were part of those abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Buduwa general area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State which was earlier occupied by the terrorists. It should be noted that the Nigerian Army is trying hard to ensure safety of the rescued persons but not taking anything for granted as some of them are suspected terrorists. Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman Acting Director Army Public Relations