Gallant Nigerian soldiers have killed 11 Boko Haram insurgents, including their informants that were fleeing after they had attacked some military personnel on patrol duty. Six of their commanders were arrested by the soldiers.Information reaching us indicated that the soldiers had disguised themselves, while laying ambush along a road in Jakana axis of Borno State where they gunned down the terrorists.
An intelligence source said: “the insurgents who were eliminated by the Nigerian troops had killed six soldiers before they met their Waterloo.”
The intelligence service has already identified some communities suspected to be harbouring terrorists and their agents but the military is wary of collateral damage on the communities because of women and children, which is why they are yet to attack and raid the terrorists’ hideouts.
It was gathered that some of the communities allegedly aiding, supporting and offering help to the extremists include Matari, Mada, Burgozo, Duwari and Didiri.
The six high-profile Boko Haram commanders that were arrested were discovered to be frequently ambushing and coordinating attacks on troops within Auno, Jakana and Banishaik general area.
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division of Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, confirmed the incidences and said: “the vigilant troops effectively ambushed and eliminated the insurgents who killed two officers and three soldiers, at Burgozo community in Borno State.
“After a gun battle that lasted 20 minute, the fleeing terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.”
The General said that while some of the terrorists were killed, the rest of them who were fleeing sustained serious wounds.
He said that troops have commenced mopping-up, combing of the general area while some arrests had been made.
The GOC listed the items recovered from the insurgents to include one gun trucks, two anti-aircraft guns, one RPG, five Ak 47 riffle and one night vision google.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army authorities have confirmed the killing of a Colonel, a Captain and three soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno. The Deputy Director, Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Colonel Isa Ado, gave the confirmation in a statement in Abuja today, July 19.
He said that the incident occurred on Wednesday in Jakana area of Borno, adding that the officers and soldiers were on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu when they ran into an ambush by the terrorists.
Colonel Isa Ado said that troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB), Jakana, dealt with the insurgents.
He said that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists tried to infiltrate the military base to garner logistics but were repelled by the troops.
According to him, the terrorists came at about 6.45PM in seven Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by troops.
“The terrorists could not withstand the fire power of the troops after losing significant number of equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire.
“They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along Benisheikh-Damaturu axis and abandoned a damaged utility gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items.
“Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and captured one anti-aircraft gun, two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes, two AK 47 Rifles, 15 machine gun rounds and 12 AK47 NATO rounds.
“Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain as well as three soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu ran into an ambush staged by the fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis, which led to their unfortunate death.”
According to him, General Buratai commended the efforts of the entire troops in the theatre and charged them to remain focused, highly committed and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
“The sacrifices of the fallen heroes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency is no doubt painful to all.
“But, that will further spur us to do more to ensure that our country remain secure, peaceful and free from terrorist activities for the overall interest of the nation,” he quoted Buratai as saying. Sources: PRNigeria and NAN.
