JTF shows off some of the items captured during previous raids

By Ibrahim Shuaibu

A combined team of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and State Security Service (SSS) operatives in the wee hours of Friday conducted a dawn operation on a suspected Boko Haram hideout at Ungwar Uku in the Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, killing four in the process.

It was also learnt that heavy machinegun fire and sporadic gunshots were heard around the area which forced residents to remain indoors, according to witnesses who said the first shot was heard around 3.25am.

A press statement from the JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha, said: “The hideout was suspected to be the media centre of terrorist elements operating in Kano”.

Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha added: “During the encounter, four suspected terrorists were killed while items recovered include one pistol, several rounds of assorted ammunition, 12 lap tops, two scanners, one printer, over 1000 CDs”.

The JTF spokesman added that other items recovered included assorted quantities of internet cables/accessories improvised explosive devices, bomb making materials and four police identity cards.

Other items recovered were uniforms of some security agencies.

The JTF spokesman urged the general public to continue to provide it with useful information, while assuring that JTF would treat such information with the utmost confidentiality.

The JTF also called on members of the public to continue to remain vigilant, report any suspicious movements of persons to the Police and other security agencies, assuring that they will ensure that the state is free from terrorists.

It was learnt that the motorists passing the strategic Kano-Zaria federal highway are being diverted, while banks, public and private businesses are closed.

A military helicopter was also seen in the skyline of the embattled ancient city.