’31 insurgents’ killed as troops rescue 60 women, children from Boko Haram captivity

Troops of the Nigerian army’s operation Lafiya Dole in Borno state have killed 31 suspected members of Boko Haram sect.

The development follows the ongoing offensive launched by the military against the insurgents.

In a statement on Monday, Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, said 60 children and elderly women in Boko Haram captivity were also rescued by the troops.

“In continuation of the ongoing offensive operation against the Boko Haram Terrorists and their Islamic State West Africa Province counterpart in the North East, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have descended heavily and decisively on the terrorists in the early hours of today, Monday, 15 March, 2021,” Yerima said.

“The gallant troops, who maintained aggressive posture, conducted a fighting patrol along Gulwa and Musuri in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

“At Musuri, troops encountered elements of the terrorist group and swiftly engaged them in firefight which lasted for about 45 minutes. With superior firepower, troops ultimately dominated the area after neutralising 31 of the terrorists. They also recovered sophisticated weapons and rescued 60 elderly women and children who were in the terrorists’ captivity.

“Items recovered from the obliterated fighters include; 8 Alexander Kalashikonov (AK47) rifles, 2 Fabric Nationale (FN) rifles, a motorcycle, 6 bicycles, mechanic tool boxes, a sewing machine, large quantity of batteries used for making of Improvised Explosive Devices, sex enhancement drugs, amongst other things.”

He added that the troops are determined to clear the entire country of Boko Haram insurgents.

Over the weekend, the army lost four soldiers when troops engaged the insurgents in the Lake Chad region.