Troops of the Nigeria Army and operatives of the Civilian-JTF on Monday killed 12 Boko Haram gunmen in a foiled ambush attacks in remote villages of Borno state.
The troops, in the same operation, rescued 22 civilians from the insurgents’ captivity.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by spokesman for the Nigeria Army, Sani Usman, four soldiers were injured in the operation.
Full statement
“Yesterday troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B (7 DSGB), attached to 21 Brigade, along with 4 Civilian JTF, carried out clearance operation of suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in Warpaya, Zenteleye, Mubarka, Jadawa and Yerwa villages”, said Mr. Usman, a colonel.
“During the operations, they encountered and engaged elements of Boko Haram terrorists in Jadawa and Yerwa in which they killed 7 terrorists. Unfortunately 4 soldiers were wounded in action.
“The troops also recovered one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle with registration number ANT 015 (B/B No 0058), 2 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones. As the operations continued, the team also intercepted some of the Boko Haram terrorists with 75 rustled cows and 25 stolen sheep.
“While returning to base, the team was ambushed by suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists. But the troops rose to the occasion and successfully cleared the ambush.
They also encountered serious hardship because of bugging down of vehicles occasioned by marshy terrain.
“In a related development, troops of 114 Task Force Battalion of 28 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with some members of vigilante group, also carried out similar exercise at suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts at Mbale and Madube on Monday.
“During the operation, the troops killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists, while some of them were believed to escape with gunshot wounds.
The troops rescued 22 persons held captives by the terrorists; comprising of 10 females, 6 males and 6 children. In addition, they also recovered 2 bicycles, 2 gas cylinders and 2 Dane Guns in the process.
Similarly, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion also conducted clearance patrol at Kilekasa and Kopchi villages. While they were advancing they cleared pockets of terrorists hibernating at Pumpum and Emi villages.
“Troops of 117 Task Force Battalion also conducted confidence-building patrols within Gella, Gyadkwara and Ngyahi villages, as well as Mayo Bani village. Their counterparts at 143 Battalion also conducted patrol up to Fattude, Gershisha, Wakara, Gadamayo and Barai villages. While troops of 115 Task Force Battalion along with about 60 vigilantes also carried out patrol at Kilekasa and Kopchi villages. They however observed that Kopchi has merged with Kikelasa village”.
