Troops Recover IED Materials, ISWAP Medical Supplies During Clearance Operation in Kareto
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have recovered improvised explosive device (IED) materials and a large quantity of medical supplies and drugs meant for ISWAP during a clearance operation in the Kareto general area of Borno State.
The operation was conducted on Sunday, Aug. 9, following credible intelligence that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists were hibernating within the area.
According to sources , troops of 5 Brigade, working alongside hybrid forces, mobilised to the area at about 10 a.m. following the intelligence.
The troops reportedly encountered suspected terrorists in the area, prompting the terrorists to retreat in confusion upon sighting the advancing security forces.
During the withdrawal, the terrorists abandoned one toolbox believed to be used for IED emplacement and two IED canisters.
The troops subsequently conducted further exploitation of the area and recovered 10 sacks containing various categories of medical materials and drugs believed to have been intended for use by the terrorists.
The recovered medical supplies included antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-malaria drugs, different types of intravenous fluids, multivitamin tablets and a blood pressure apparatus.
The recovery is considered significant as access to medical supplies enables terrorist groups to treat wounded fighters and sustain their operational networks in remote locations.
Following the initial operation, the troops projected force to Wolkiti village, where they conducted further searches and patrols. No contact with the terrorists was recorded in the village.
Security sources said the troops maintained a high level of morale and satisfactory fighting efficiency throughout the operation.
Operation HADIN KAI troops and allied forces are expected to sustain clearance operations and intelligence-driven patrols across the theatre to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping in the affected areas.
