Troops recover Boko Haram flag from Adamawa gov’s hometown
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Lafiya Dole have recovered a flag hoisted by the Boko Haram insurgents in Fadama village in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Madagali is the hometown of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the state.
The Army said on Thursday that apart from the terrorists’ flag, it also recovered two bicycles, copies of the Qur’an and other personal effects after a gun battle with the insurgents in the area on Tuesday.
The army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, noted that the troops of 192 Battalion, Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, carried out the clearance operations from Madagali through Waga Lawan, Jaje to Fadama communities.
Iliyasu stated, “During the operation, the Boko Haram insurgents were dealt with, forcing them to flee the location in disarray. Troops destroyed all the criminals’ structures, farmlands, harvested grains stored in underground bunkers and one Lister grinding machine.
“In another encounter at Fadama, the criminals’ flag hoisted on a tree was captured and lowered after the troops had subdued the insurgents with superior fire power forcing them to flee in disarray.
“Also, troops of the 151 Battalion, Sector 1, defeated a bunch of Boko Haram criminal insurgents in the early hours of December 25, while on a clearance operation conducted deep into the Sambisa Forest.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged the troops to sustain the momentum against the terrorists and remain steadfast.
The Army chief in his Christmas and New Year message, sent out on Thursday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, noted that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was committed to their welfare and of their families.
“I commend you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours. I want to urge you all to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast as we sustain professionalism and responsiveness in the discharge of our constitutional roles.
“I will continue to ensure that your welfare and that of your families remain of utmost priority. I will also use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare with requisite support for us to perform our duties,” he added.