Nigerian troops celebrate ‘Konduga victory’

Nigerian troops have “crushed” an attempt by Boko Haram to retake Konduga, the defence headquarters announced on Wednesday, promising to provide more details later.

It took 12 hours of fighting to overcome the insurgents, the military said on its website.

The brief statement said: “Troops this morning successfully crushed another attempt by terrorists who were on a revenge mission to Konduga, after 12 hours of fighting in the outskirts of the Borno State community.  Troops are now combing the vicinity, in a cordon and search operation to determine the heavy casualties suffered by the terrorists in the encounter.

“Meanwhile, 3 Hilux vehicles, 1 Armoured Personnel Carrier and a cache of arms and ammunition were confirmed captured by the troops.”

Director of army public relations, Brig-Gen Olajide Laleye, gave more details later on Wednesday.

Laleye said that “in an attempt to regain the momentum it lost at Konduga” last week, Boko Haram again attacked town Tuesday night.

“However, the terrorists were denied their objective by vigilant and gallant Nigerian army troops,” he added.

“During the fight, several terrorists were killed and those fleeing Konduga with gunshot wounds are being pursued. Also, 3 Hilux vehicles with mounted machine and anti-aircraft guns, 1 Mowag Armoured Personnel Carrier and assorted arms and ammunition have been recovered.”

The army spokesman observed that the morale of Nigerian soldiers battling with insurgents remained high, hence the repeated defeat of the terror group.

“Troop’s morale and combat efficiency remain high. Further details about the engagement and supporting photographs are being awaited,” he said.

“It must be noted that the renewed morale, fighting spirit and combat efficiency of troops have been boosted by new strategies devised by the armed forces of Nigeria and the support of well meaning members of the public. Therefore, the Nigeria army implores the public to continue to support the military and other security agencies engaged in the on-going operation to rid Nigeria of blood-letting insurgents and ruthless religious extremists.”

Laleye also refuted reports that some soldiers were attacked in Kogi state by Boko Haram, adding that the incident was an armed robbery attack.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to clarify that the alleged and widely reported Boko Haram attack on Nigerian army troops along Okene – Kabba road was clearly not a Boko Haram related incident,” he said.

“In reality, the incident was a case of armed robbery attack on troops of 322 Artillery Regiment who were travelling in seven Marcopolo buses to Kontagora for an engagement. Apparently, the robbers mistook the soldiers for normal civilian travellers who ply the route.”

He further said that three soldiers who sustained injuries during the robbery attack were receiving medical care and would soon join their colleagues.

“Therefore, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its earlier warning on the danger of publishing unverified reports and attributing all criminal activities to Boko Haram terrorists. The inherent danger in this brand of journalism is that it heightens public fear, endangers public safety and creates the wrong impression that Boko Haram is everywhere.”