When Illiya’s whereabouts became known, fierce firefights ensued in some settlements where members of the violent Islamist group were hiding. A total of 32 terrorists were killed.
War on terrorism
The Nigerian Army Command confirmed the news via Twitter on Sunday afternoon. The Chief of the General Staff praised his men for their professionalism, tenacity and energy in the war against terrorism and the rebellion in northeastern Nigeria.
Boko Haram was established twenty years ago in Maiduguri and has been involved in bloody attacks and kidnappings ever since. The kidnapping of a large group of schoolgirls in 2014 received worldwide attention.
Somalia
The government of Somalia also reported success in the fight against terrorism on Sunday. The deputy information minister said at least 136 Al-Shabaab jihadists were killed in the region around the capital Mogadishu during a two-day military operation. In addition, ninety people were injured. Yusuf said nothing about any losses among his own troops. Al-Shabaab has been carrying out attacks for years and, despite a military deployment, still rules parts of the East African country.