Troops repel insurgents’ attack on military base in Niger

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops have repelled an attack by insurgents at Wawa cantonment in Borgu LGA of Niger state.

Musa Danmadami, director of defence media operations, announced the development on Thursday at a bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces.

He said the attack on the military cantonment was repelled on October 29 in coordinated land and air operations.

He said six insurgents were killed, while 18 others were captured in the encounter, adding that explosives and arms were recovered from the attackers.

Danmadami also said troops of the guards brigade, on October 30, apprehended 60 suspects at an illegal mining site at Apo, Abuja municipal area council.

“Following the engagement, troops neutralised three terrorists, captured five and recovered one HK 21 gun, nine PKT gun, 598 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 676 rounds of 7.62 special, 3,902 rounds of AK-49 ammunition, two RPG tubes, seven RPG bombs, one grenade and three cartons of improvised explosive device accessories,” NAN quoted Danmadami as saying.

“Other items recovered include two vehicles, two motorola radios, two radio chargers, cartons of drip, motorcycles, cell phones and other sundry items.

“Equally, a follow-up and exploitation operation was conducted by troops in conjunction with vigilantes at Tungan Gagara and Damala villages where contact was made with the terrorists.

“After a fire fight, 13 terrorists were arrested, while several others jumped into the river.

“Consequently, similar operation was carried out on November 1 at Babusara village where troops neutralised three terrorists while other fled in disarray.”

Jimmy Akpor, the director of defence information, in his remarks, urged the media to support security agencies in providing the right information to the public.