Troops kill ’48 insurgents’, rescue ’11 kidnapped victims’ in Borno

Troops of operation Lafiya Dole have killed scores of insurgents following an ambush in Chibok, Borno state.

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman, in a statement on Saturday, also added that 11 victims of abduction were rescued in two separate operations in the state.

According to him, AK-47 rifles, magazines, and other items were recovered, while soldiers are currently on the trail of some insurgents who escaped.

“Nigerian Army troops deployed in Chibok under 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE have neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush along Chibok-Damboa axis of Borno state,” Yerima said.

“The 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.

“The gallant troops laid ambush, engaged and overwhelmed the criminals with aggressive firepower, neutralising 9 terrorists in the process while several others escaped with fatal gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered 7 AK 47 rifles and freed 3 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 8 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 8 AK 47 rifles with 4 magazines, among other items.”

Yerima added that Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, commended the troops for their efforts, and “urged them to remain dogged and maintain their offensive posture in all operations until the area is rid of all remnants of terrorists”.

The army chief also urged members of the public to continue to support military operations by providing useful information on the activities of insurgents in their communities.