Troops Attack Boko Haram, Kill 20, Rescue Over 100 Civilians

As part of sustained efforts to combat insurgency in the country, troops serving under the Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State have killed 20 Boko Haram members and rescued dozens of civilians.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Deputy Director Public Relations, Colonel Timothy Antigha, who said the soldiers also recovered deadly weapons from the insurgents.

Atigha explained that the troops were supported by air bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force.

Weapons purportedly recovered from the terrorist include 3 Toyota Land Cruiser Gun Trucks, 5 AK-47 Riffles, 3 Fabrique Nationals (FN) Riffles, 2 G3 Riffles and 1 Pump Action Rifle.

Other items were 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, Bombs, Very High Frequency (VHF) Radios and 55 Rounds of 7.62mm Ammunition and 108 Rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition with links, as well as 2 memory cards, 2 Hydraulic Jacks and a 1.5 Amph Battery.

He said: “In continuation of Operation DEEP PUNCH 2, designed to smoke out Boko Haram terrorists inhabiting remote islands in Lake Chad basin lying within the Nigerian territory, troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, supported by soldiers of the Armed Forces Strike Group have inflicted heavy casualty on the Boko Haram terrorists.

“The operation which commenced about two weeks ago was proceeded by coordinated air and artillery bombardment of islands and localities occupied by terrorists, and from where they sneak into Magumeri, Kauram and other locations to loot property and attack security personnel and villagers.

“So far, 20 terrorists have been killed, captured 17 others, while over 100 elderly men, women and children have been rescued. Preliminary investigation has revealed that a large number of the rescued persons were held against their will and forced to work on farms under life-threatening conditions and penurious wages. More investigation and interviews will be conducted before the rescued persons are handed over for further action.”

The Army spokesman further revealed that six soldiers suffered various degree of injuries and have since been taken to the hospital for treatment.