- Spokesman of the army's 8 division Colonel Antigha said the freed hostages are being profiled
- Two of the women, who were heavily pregnant, also gave birth at the army's holding centre as profiling continues
- Antigha said the Army is also trying to find out where the fleeing commanders of the army went to
Not fewer than 700 men and women abducted by Boko Haram insurgents and drafted into forced labour in Lake Chad area have regained their freedom.
The Nigerian army announced this in a statement released on Monday, January 1 and signed by Colonel Timothy Antigha, the deputy director, public relations of the 8 Division of the Nigerian army.
The statement read: "Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families who were hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno.
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"The exodus of the former Boko Haram abductees is not unconnected to a follow up operation which was conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation DEEP PUNCH 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities.
Some of the freed hostages at an army holding centre. Photo: Nigerian army
"The follow up operation which was conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics; such as communication centers, fabrication yards, bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance.
"The ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival have therefore triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees to Monguno.
So far, over 700 former Boko Haram abductees, comprising adult males, females and children have been received by troops of 242 Battalion in Monguno.
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"Profiling of the displaced persons is on- going to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town. Preliminary Investigation will focus on finding out where wanted Boko Haram Commanders have migrated to.
Two of the pregnant women who gave birth at the holding centre. Photo: Nigerian army
"Meanwhile, 2 pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers.
"It could be recalled that 2 weeks ago the initial wave of Boko Haram abductees who regained freedom following an offensive military operation in Chikun Gudu were similarly received in Monguno."
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com reported earlier that the Adamawa state chapter of the Muslim Council has revealed that no fewer than 5,247 Muslims have died from Boko Haram violence in seven local government areas of the state in the past five years.
The Council which comprises all Islamic organisations in the state said the affected local governments are Madagali, Michika, Maiha, Mubi North, Mubi South, Hong and Gombi. Madagali has the highest number of dead victims with 2,500 people while Hong has the least with 68.
Survivors of Boko Haram - on NAIJ.com TV
Source: Naija.ng
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