Boko Haram: Bloody Clashes Leave 70 Terrorists Killed, 4 Soldiers Dead (Photos)

The army has reported that about seventy Boko Haram terrorists have been killed in several clashes with Nigerian troops in the northeastern region of the country.

According to a report by Major General Lucky Irabor,  the deputy theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the army says 70 insurgents and four officers have been killed in different encounters.

In the military’s update on successes recorded in operation Lafiya Dole, the army said on Sunday, January 17, the troops conducted a clearance operation at Shentimari general area and cleared Boko Haram enclaves and recovered 78 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Similarly, on Monday, January 18, at Chukun Gudu, troops encountered and destroyed terrorist camps in Jillam, Bula Butube general areas. During an exchange of fire, 10 terrorists were killed, 2 AK47 Rifles, 2 AK47 magazines, 2 solar panels and 2 GSM handsets were recovered, while 1 Isuzu vehicle was destroyed.

The statement further reveals that on Wednesday, January 20, troops cleared terrorist camps/enclaves at Ngwalimiri and Gazama in Damboa local government area. While conducting operations in Mufurundi village along Damboa-Bale road, the army intercepted 10 Boko Haram suspects from Bego, Mesemarri and Bale villages carrying bags containing food condiments, soaps, and other items. The suspects are reportedly undergoing interrogation.

The troops also had an encounter with terrorists during an advance from Wajirok to Ajigin. During the encounter, three of the terrorists were killed.

The statement further said: “In another development, one of our units located in old Marte repelled an attacked by BHT and in the process, killed 21 terrorists, while 3 soldiers were wounded during the encounter. One Anti Air Gun, 10 AK47 rifles,1 FN rifle,7 x 60mm MOR bombs, qty 342 rounds of 12.7mm, Qty 507 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions, 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Land Cruiser vehicle, 1 IED with charger were captured from the terrorists.

 “In a related development, troops took custody of 3 suspected BHT who voluntarily surrendered themselves to Damboa Vigilante Group at Kaya village. During interrogation, they claimed to have been forced to join the BHT Group and also participated in the Group’s previous attacks at Askira and other locations. As about 1719hrs yesterday, 21 January 2016, ahead of Cashew plantation near Maiduguri, an unknown civilian tried to gain access into the village but was confronted by a civilian JTF. In the process of the ensuing interrogation, he stabbed a member of civilian JTF to death but was shot by another Civilian JTF.

 “In continuation of the ongoing operation, troops advancing to clear Dure village, came under BHT ambush at Rugga Fulani but were cleared. During the encounter, 8 BHTs were killed, 2 AK47 rifles,2 locally made Dane Guns, 3 AK47 Magazined with 38 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Similarly, a unit of troops cleared BHT hideouts in Wala, Tirkopytir, and Durubajuwe villages. During the operation, troops recovered 1 rusty GPMG barrel, 1 grinding machine and 1 locally made Dane gun.

“Equally, troops conducted a fighting patrol in Afe, Kudiye, Souma, Dika, Mijigeta and Mida. During the operation, the team made contact with BHT at Kudiye, Mijigete and 20 BHT were killed, while 3 rifles, 41 motorcycles were destroyed, and 370 hostages rescued and brought to IDP camp at Dikwa. Also, around Huyum, Jeje and Diba villages. The terrorists sighting own troops, abandoned their families behind which include 5 women, 12 children. However, own troops killed 4 of the BHTs. The women are currently undergoing interrogation.”

The army report further stated that on Friday, January 22, three suicide bombers attempted to infiltrate into Maiduguri a kilometre ahead of Mafa roadblock. The troops in the area shot one dead, while the other detonated a bomb and in the process killed the third suicide bomber.

In his communique, Major General Hassan Umaru commended the efforts of the troops and renewed calls for the troops and the public to be more vigilant and security conscious at all times, particularly at check points, markets, worship centres, motor parks and schools.

He equally appreciated the support from the public in rendering useful information on the activities of the terrorists. He said the public would be kept informed of the situation as the need arises.