Ndudi Anyim
Forty-eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralised by troops under 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE in two separate operations.
Security Watch Africa reports that while nine insurgents were ambushed along Chibok – Damboa axis of Borno State, 38 others were ambushed and neutralised along Askira – Chibok Main Supply Route (MSR).
According to a statement confirming the incident, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said 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.
He stated that 11 abducted persons had also been rescued by troops.
“ The gallant troops laid ambush, engaged and overwhelmed the criminals with aggressive firepower, neutralising nine terrorists in the process while several others escaped with fatal gunshot wounds.
“ The troops also recovered 7 AK 47 Rifles and freed three 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.
“ In the course of the encounter, troops successfully rescued eight 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 eight AK 47 Rifles with four 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.
Yerima added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru appreciates the gallantry and dexterity of the troops and urged them to remain dogged and maintain 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, ” he said.