Military troops
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
The Nigerian Army Headquarters on Saturday said its troops deployed in Chibok under 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE have neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush along Chibok – Damboa axis of Borno state.
The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, who disclosed this in a statement, said the troops achieved the feat while acting on credible intelligence that some remnants of insurgents were fleeing due to the intensity of troops’ operations in Sambisa Forest.
Brig. Gen. Yerima explained that the gallant troops laid ambush, engaged and overwhelmed the criminals with aggressive firepower, neutralising 9 terrorists in the process while several others escaped with fatal gunshot wounds.
He also noted that the troops recovered 7 AK 47 Rifles and freed 3 kidnapped victims.
Similarly in another encounter, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade located in Askira equally laid a successful ambush along Askira – Chibok Main Supply Route (MSR) and neutralized 39 terrorists.
According to the Army spokeman, the troops in the course of the encounter, successfully rescued 8 kidnapped victims from the terrorists.
“Unfortunately however, one of the kidnapped victims sustained injury to his leg while in the hands of his abductors. He has since been conveyed to a military medical facility for immediate treatment. During the operations, troops recovered another 8 AK 47 Rifles with 4 magazines, among other items”.
“The gallant troops are presently dominating the area with aggressive patrols and are equally on a trail of fleeing terrorists in order to locate and neutralise them”, he said.
Meanwhile, The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru appreciated the gallantry and dexterity of the troops, urging them to remain dogged and maintained their offensive posture in all operations until the area is rid of all remnants of terrorists.
He equally appreciated members of the public for their continuous support to the troops and enjoined them to continue to provide credible information to the troops and other security agencies operating within their localities.