Two killed as troops engage insurgents in Yobe

The Nigerian army says its troops are in pursuit of insurgents, following the attack on Baiomari in Yobe state.

Four policemen and seven villagers were killed on Tuesday when suspected members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the community. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, said two of the insurgents were killed by troops of Operation Tura Takaibango, a subsidiary of Operation Lafiya Dole. 

“On 16 February, 2021, at about 5pm, the gallant troops of 159 battalion and 233 battalion, acting on credible information on the movement of Boko Haram criminals to Baiomari, conducted a joint aggressive patrol in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force, and swiftly moved in and made contact with the terrorists,” the statement reads. 

“The troops engaged the terrorists with a fierce volume of fire and neutralised 2 of them in the process, while some escaped with gunshots wounds.

“Items captured include: 1 x AK 47 rifles and 1 AK 47 Rifle Top Cover. The gallant troops are in pursuit of the enemies and have continued to dominate the general area.

“The continuous successes recorded by the gallant troops of Operation Tura Takaibango against the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province main hideouts, where they plot and carry out their evil acts against civilian targets, is an indication of their capitulation and the end of all criminal elements within the North East Region. 

“The troops of operation Tura Takaibango are highly commended once again for their dedication and dexterity in flushing out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts. They are also encouraged to continue on the path of the successes so far recorded.” 

Yerima also reassured Nigerians of the army’s renewed zeal to “crush” the remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals.