Troops kill five insurgents in Borno, recover gun truck

Five insurgents have been killed during an attempt to attack communities in Biu, located in the southern area of Borno state.

Onyema Nwachukwu, director-general, army public relations, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.

TheCable had reported that suspected fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) attempted to attack a village in the southern part of Borno state on Saturday.

Nwachukwu, in the statement, said a gun truck, explosive and rounds of ammunition were recovered from the insurgents.

“Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have dealt decisively with Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, who made frantic attempt to infiltrate the ancient town of Biu, Borno State,” the statement reads.

“The criminal elements met their waterloo, when the gallant troops of 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment swiftly routed them in a failed incursion at Maina Hari village in Biu on Saturday, 15 January, 2022.

“In the intense battle, troops unleashed superior fire power on the terrorists, neutralising five BH/ISWAP terrorists, compelling others to withdraw in disarray.

“The gallant troops also captured from the terrorists, one gun truck, one Deshka M anti-aircraft gun, one HK 21 machine gun, one rocket propelled grenade bomb, 137 rounds of 12.7mm anti-aircraft rounds, amongst others.

“Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.”