Troops kill 21 insurgents, recover weapons in Yobe

Troops of the Nigerian army’s operation Lafiya Dole have killed 21 insurgents, following an attack in Geidam LGA of Yobe state.

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

He said the insurgents had destroyed some communication masts and looted some shops in the area, before the troops engaged them.

“The terrorists attacked the strategic border town on 23 April 2021, destroying three communications masts and looting some shops in the process, ” he said.

“However, troops stationed at the town supported by the Air Component of OPLD mounted a hot pursuit and closed up with the terrorists, killing 21 of them in the process.”

Yerima said the soldiers recovered weapons from the insurgents, including a truck with an anti-aircraft gun mounted on it, eight AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and five chargers.

Other items recovered are “over a thousand rounds of different calibres of ammunition, one Commando Mortar Tube, 3 IED blasting devices, tool boxes, communication radios and cell phones among several other items of value”.

“The troops are still combing the area for possible discoveries as most of the terrorists escaped with various degrees of injuries from the resultant encounter,” he said.

The army spokesman, however, noted that three soldiers who sustained injuries from the raid are in stable condition and receiving treatment in a military facility.

According to Yerima, Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, has commended the troops for the feat.

“The COAS restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to ending terrorism and all violent crimes in the North East and other parts of the country. He further enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango until this noble goal is attained,” the army spokesman added.