The Defence Headquarters said yesterday that security forces had recovered the body of the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Timta, who was killed in an ambush by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said: “A band of terrorists today attacked a convoy of the Emirs of Gwoza, Uba and Askira who were travelling to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe.
“Troops deployed in Garkida responded to the attack. The Emirs of Uba and Askira were secured while the body of Emir of Gwoza who died in the attack has been recovered”.
Olukolade added that “Troops are currently on aggressive patrols along the entire route with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe”.
Meanwhile, raids carried out by troops of the Special Task Force operating in the north-central part of the country have led to the arrest of 23 members of armed gangs terrorizing the region.
According to the Defence spokesman: “The suspects, including a hard drugs supplier, were apprehended during raids on camps and criminal hideouts located in Bukuru, Jos South and Barkin Ladi general areas”.
All the suspects, Olukolade added, are undergoing preliminary investigation after which they will be handed over to appropriate prosecuting authorities.
