Collaborative efforts between Nigeria and neighbouring countries in the north east in fighting terrorism recorded huge breakthrough when Cameroon security forces made a huge seizure of arms apparently meant for use by terrorists operating in Nigeria last weekend.
Over 288 rifles and 35 Rocket Propelled Guns as well as 35 locally made Improvised Explosive Devices were recovered after a fierce encounter at Abugasse, Cameroon, close to the Chadian border.
A statement by the spokesman for Joint Information Centre, Counter Terrorism Campaign in Nigeria, Major General Chris Olukolade, says other weapons recovered included Pistols, Mortar Bombs, Sub-machine Guns and various calibres of ammunition following the arrest of two suspects believed to be major arms suppliers to the terrorists in Nigeria.
They were nabbed in Abugasse near the Chadian border with Cameroon.
Also in their possession were over 50 Cameroonian Passports as well as a Toyota Jeep.
While the Cameroonian authorities had pledged to back Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts, Nigerian troops have renewed offensive on terrorists and it had continued to record series of arrests of terrorists and recovery of arms especially close to the nation’s border with Cameroon.
Apart from arms recovered following disclosure from captured terrorists lately, more arms have been seized in the ongoing offensive in different areas.
“The arrest at a check point of a terrorist driving in a green Peugeot vehicle with registration Number Bauchi 264 AA heading to Maiduguri from Alagarno during the weekend, led to the recovery of 15 AK47 rifles and 12 magazines and various yet to be assembled rifles” major General Olukolade said.
In the continued offensive on terrorists in various, the Alagarno area as well as various points of Sambisa forest and suburbs are witnessing intense operations since Monday.
“Apart from several dead terrorists, 14 vehicles which were either being used for operation or hidden by the terrorists in various parts of the forests and theatres have been destroyed.
“Various calibres of weapons and ammunitions were also recovered in the course of fighting and subsequent cordon and search of the areas,” he said.
The military had intensified air and ground surveillance in the north east region since the president directed the armed forces to rid the forests of insurgents few weeks ago.