Troops ‘kill’ top Boko Haram commander

The Nigerian defence headquarters says Abu Mojahid, a top commander of the Boko Haram insurgents, has been killed in a battle with troops in Alagarno, Borno state.

According to a statement issued by Chris Olukolade, major-general and director of defence information, Mojahid was among other insurgents killed in battle on Tuesday.

“A notorious top terrorists commander, Abu Mojahid was among the terrorists that died in their encounter with troops on the outskirt of Alagarno, Tuesday morning. The terrorists had staged a daring attack on troops who were on patrol of the area,” it said.

“A number of the terrorists died as the troops repelled the attack. Some rocket-propelled grenades as well as vehicle mounted anti-aircraft guns were either captured or destroyed in the encounter.

“Meanwhile, the military operations are continuing in the form of offensive action on identified terrorists in some forest locations. Aggressive patrols, mopping up as well as cordon and search are also continuing in the other locations in search for weapons and terrorists.

“Improvised explosive devices planted by the terrorists to deter the comprehensive offensive by the advancing troops are also being carefully cleared as troops continue to pursue fleeing ones. The operations, especially in forest locations, are progressing in defiance of obstacles and land mines emplaced by the terrorists.”