The Nigerian Army on Thursday announced that troops combating Boko Haram terrorists, cattle rustlers and other armed bandits in the last two days killed several of the criminals in the North East and North West geopolitical zones.
According to statements by the Nigerian Army, the terrorists and armed bandits were killed in encounters with both air and ground troops.
Troops of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army involved in Operation SHARAN DAJI, the outfit to clear cattle rustlers, armed bandits and kidnappers in the North West geopolitical region in the country, on Wednesday cleared armed bandits in Gobirawan Kwacha, Dansadau District of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
During the encounter in the forest, the troops were able to kill three armed bandits and recover one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
Unfortunately, the bandits shot and damaged the troops’ vehicle.
However, none of the soldiers was injured.
on Thursday morning, the troops of 118 Task Force Battalion, 8 Task Force Division on blocking position at Garere Junction, ambushed Boko Haram terrorists at Gudumbali in the northern part of Borno State, while they were crossing to another location with some logistics items.
During the operation, the troops killed two and wounded one of the Boko Haram terrorists.
They also recovered two AK-47 and a G3 rifle.
In addition, they recovered 660 Litres of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, and yards of military uniforms.
The troops also recovered a truck earlier stolen by the terrorists in Kangarwa.
On Tuesday, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade, accompanied by a large number of Civilian JTF from Gwoza, embarked on a very aggressive patrol that dislodged remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating at Ngoshe and Gava villages, located close to Gwoza on the mountainous terrain in Borno State.
The essence of the robust patrol, which was supported by the Nigeria Air Force and Cameroonian Defence Forces, who provided air cover and real time Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, was to clear the remnants of the terrorists hiding in the mountainous area and rescue all persons held hostages by the Boko Haram terrorists, a statement by the Nigerian Army said.
While advancing towards their objective in Ngoshe, the patrol team encountered Boko Haram terrorists.
They had to clear the delay positions staged by the terrorists through the support of the Nigeria Air Force fighter jets.
Although the number of terrorists killed could not be ascertained, quite a number of them were seen falling over the mountains when engaged.
It is equally believed several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The troops were able to recover quite a number of arms and ammunitions.
These included one Rocket Propelled Grenade tube, four RPG Bombs, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one Fabrique Nationale rifle and three AK-47 rifles.
Other items recovered included one Sub-Machine Gun, one locally made pistol, a locally made Double-Barrel gun, one Smoke Grenade, 243 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and one round of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
They also recovered 18 rounds of MI16 rifle, three G3 Rifle magazines, www AK-47 magazines, one mobile telephone handset and a SIM card, as well as a pair of military desert camouflage uniform.
Other items were an address card, three Boko Haram terrorists flags and a Toyota Hilux vehicle painted in desert camouflage colour and motorcycles.
The troops did not find any hostage in Gava.
However, they rescued 16 civilians held in Ngoshe prison, while many residents of the town saw it as an opportunity to flee from the town.
Both the rescued and freed persons are being profiled by the troops.
