Troops kill terrorists, recover weapons in Borno

The troops of the Nigerian Army have killed an unspecified number of insurgents during a fierce battle in GWOZA, Borno State.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in an electronic mail on Wednesday that the insurgents were fleeing the Sambisa Forest due to aerial bombardment by the fighter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force.

Usman said the insurgents were fleeing in seven pick-up vans with motorcycles mounted with assorted weapons, such as rocket propelled grenades and anti-aircraft guns, when they ran into the encounter with the troops in Gwoza.

Usman, who did not disclose the exact number of the insurgents killed in the operation, said the troops destroyed the vehicles and weapons and also recovered some items from them.

According to him, the items recovered include a vehicle, one motorcycle, two AK 47 riffles and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO and 12.7mm ammunition.

He stated further that the troops were carrying out aggressive offensive and patrol in the area.

He said, “Troops  of 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, Borno State, yesterday evening engaged Boko Haram terrorists fleeing Sambisa Forest following continued aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force.

“The fleeing terrorists in seven Pick up vans and some motorcycles mounted with assorted weapons  such as Rocket Propelled Grenades and Anti-Aircrtaft Guns were decisively dealt with, killing quite a number of them.

“The troops also destroyed their vehicles, weapons and motorcycles. They also recovered a vehicle, 1 motorcycle and 2 AK47 riffles and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO and 12.7mm ammunitions. The troops have intensified their patrols and offensive against the terrorists in the area.” Usman.