Buratai: Newly Acquired Equipment will Boost War against Terror

on ending the woes caused by Boko HaramHaram in the region.

The Nigerian military in collaboration with its Camerounian counterpart, has thwarted another Boko Haram attempt to attack Dikwa town in Borno State, following their dislodgement from camps in the border towns of Kumshe and Talala.

This was disclosed yesterday in a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, saying that the terrorists aimed at causing havoc at the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp located at Dikwa.

However and unknown to the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, Usman said, the Armed Forces Special Forces in blocking positions decisively dealt with the terrorists; killing many and recovering vehicle, arms and ammunition from them.

“Unfortunately, we lost a soldier and a member of the local vigilante (Civilian JTF) during the encounter, while three soldiers and four IDPs sustained injuries. A military vehicle was damaged by a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) suicide bomber,” he added.

The army spokesman said “troops recovered 26 bodies of the Boko Haram terrorists, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, destroyed three VIED, MBIED and two gun trucks.”

According to him, the gallant troops recovered gun truck mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, Dushka anti-arcraft gun, Browning anti-aircraft gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube.

He listed others to include General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), four AK 47 rifles, three RPG bombs, 36 hand grenades, smoke grenade and eight AK-47 rifles magazines.

Usman said the troops also recovered 236 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 396 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 101 rounds of 762mm (special), ammunition.

The DAPR however confirmed that the casualties had seen been evacuated while the troops were pursuing the terrorists that escaped with gunshot wounds.

It is encouraging, Usman said, to note that despite loss of a colleague and the vigilante, the troops maintained dominating presence in the general area and were poised to continue to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists.