Over 30 Killed, Several Surrender, As Troops Sustain Strike on BH Terrorists in Northeast, Borno state. DHQ

By Aviashima Toom

The Armed Forces of Nigeria Says, its Troops of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has destroyed over 30 Boko Haram Terrorists, recovered arms while several members of the sect surrendered during a sustained offensive strike by the Military in Northeast, Borno state. 

In a statement on Wednesday by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche said the troops in the last seven days had engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists hibernating within its own Area of Operation in the theatre.

The DMOs disclosed that within the period, troops of 121 Task Force  Battalion under 26 TF Bde while in ambush position, made contact with Boko Haram Terrorists at crossing point Pulka-Firgi road.

He also disclosed that one Boko Haram Terrorist was killed, one loaded AK 47 rifle recovered with a motorcycle painted in Military colour along with one locally fabricated Hand grenade were also recovered.

He said, on 24 April, 2020, troops of 192 Bn of 26 Bde deployed at Gwoza, while on night ambush  operations came in contact with the Terrorists, attempting to cross through the Mandara mountains to Sambisa Forest  and in the ensuing fire fight neutralised 2 terrorists, while several others escaped in disarray with gunshot wounds while a bicycle and 2 copies of the Holy Qur'an with assorted clothing items were recovered. 

He also said on 27 April, 2020, troops of Echo Company 114 Bn in blocking position at Izge Response Area received information of Boko Haram Terrorists attack at Yenegu village about 5 kilometres from own troops location. 

He said on receipt of the information, the dogged troops swiftly mobilised and engaged the Terrorists who fled due to superior fire power from the troops. No casualty was recorded by own troops while 2 terrorists were neutralised.

According to Enenche "while 26 TF Bde was hammering the terrorists along the mandara mountains, the gallant troops of 152 TF Bn deployed at Kumshe under 21 Special Armoured Brigade engaged terrorists in a fierce fire fight with the them who attacked their location on 22 April, 2020.

"Unfortunately in the process, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice while another sustained gunshot wound. 

"However, 3 BHTs were neutralised, 1 motorcycle captured as others were suspected to have fled with life threatening injuries".

Gen. Enenche also said on 24 April, 2020, troops of 151 Bn  of 21 SAB conducted ambush operations along Firgi general area and made contact with Boko Haram Terrorists.

"No casualty on own troops while items recovered includes 1 Ak 47 rifle, 2 motorcycles and 2 bicycles". He said.

Consolidating on the gains of the successes so far achieved, the DMOa explained that, troops of 152 Bn in another ambush operation on 26 April 20 made contact with Boko Haram Terrorists food supply party near their crossing point at Miyanti.

The criminals according to Enenche were engaged, a soldier sustained minor injury while 3 Boko Haram Terrorists were killed, 4 Carts conveying several food items and clothing were destroyed at the location.

He maintained that while on general clearance operations within Sector 1 AOR, troops of 222, 151, 21 SAB Gar and 202 Bns under 21 SAB were led by the Garrison Commander 21SAB on  clearance operations to Bula Shatane village 15 Kilometres from Bama and came in contact with Boko Haram Terrorists who fled on sighting the ferocious troops advancing towards their location with heavy gun fire. 

The village was successfully cleared while all makeshift houses were destroyed.

"Due to the ongoing offensive action within the Sector AOR, on 23 April 2020, 2 members of the BHTs came out from Bula Bello and Yerimari Gana and surrendered to own troops of 21 SAB Garrison deployed at Bama. 

"The 2 surrendered terrorists were handed over to 21SAB Military Intelligence Regiment. During preliminary investigation, they revealed that the sustained military operations by land and air made them to surrender.

"Additionally, on 21 April 2020, a total of 19 IDPs arrived Army Super Camp 6 Bama from Jebe village.

"The IDPs were searched, screened and accommodated at own holding facility pending the conclusion of preliminary investigation. However, the IDPs were fed while the minors were administered with polio vaccines. 

"In summary about 11 Boko Haram criminals were neutralized while many escaped with injuries and equipment  and supplies captured and destroyed while some surrendered". He disclosed.

He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would remain resolute and highly committed to end the Boko Haram insurgency.