The Nigerian Army has given vivid details of a fierce fighting between troops and Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State. The fighting which started Friday also continued Saturday as troops embarked on clearing operation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, acting Director, Army Public Relations said in a statement that “the exchange of fire lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.”
He said 16 terrorists were killed and troops “recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured 2 of the terrorists alive.”
Colonel Usman said in a statement on Saturday that “Yesterday evening remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in their numbers attacked our troops location at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.
“The terrorists came with Motorcycles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (MCBIED), Anti-Aircraft Guns and other weapons at about 5.00pm and the exchange of fire lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.
“Unfortunately, one of the terrorists’ suicide bomber detonated himself at a gun truck killing the driver and the gunner. The truck and the mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs. In addition two soldiers were wounded in action while three others sustained minor injuries.
He also disclosed that “The troops killed seven of the attackers instantly while quite a number escaped with gun shot wounds.
“During clearance operations this morning, the troops discovered nine more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the surrounding areas. Therefore the total number of terrorists killed was 16.
“The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured two of the terrorists alive.
“The bodies of the two fallen heroes and the wounded in action soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while reinforcement was sent from Gomboru Ngala.”
In a related development, Usman said “troops have also discovered and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along Gomboru-Rann road. It is believed that the IEDs were planted yesterday to prevent troops reinforcement to Rann while the attack lasted.”
The Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion has visited the troops and held durbar with them.
He commended them for their doggedness during attack and also urged them not to lower their guards, the statement said.
According to the Army Spokesman, despite the incident, troops morale remains very high and they have continued with their clearance operations.
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