With close air support by the Nigerian Air Force, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, advancing along Bitta and Damboa axis of Borno State on Wednesday cleared Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Modupe 1, 2 and 3 and in the process rescued 61 persons abducted earlier and held captive by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“The rescued persons were mainly women and children and have since been evacuated. The troops also recovered 2 dane guns in the area after an encounter with the terrorists at Langaran Fulani and also killed 4 terrorists, arrested one,” Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said.

“The fight against Boko Haram terrorists is continuing to maintain its momentum with the discovery and destruction of terrorists’ camps, weapons and equipment, while the terrorists have been fleeing, and abandoning their bases,” the Army Spokesman said in a statement.

Continuing, he said: “In 25 Task Force Brigade’s area of responsibility, the troops were able to clear Boko Haram terrorists camps at Nwalemer, Mallemiri and Bale. Similarly in Gwoza axis, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade have also destroyed terrorists camps in Tripkwopta and Gidan Gachi yesterday. The troops however encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried along their route of advance near Balazalla Dure that partially affected one of the leading vehicles. The troops also encountered an abandoned truck loaded with IEDs at Uvole village, which was blown up by them.

“The public are hereby reassured that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its obligation to Nigerians. This is being demonstrated daily by the personal presence of the army leadership with the forward troops. It is reinforced by the manifest desire and zeal of the rank and file down to the last rifle man to discharge their responsibility for the restoration and maintenance of peace as well as the safeguarding of the safety and security of the citizenry in the North East.

“Consequently, Nigerians are hereby advised to go about their legitimate duties and show understanding for security checks and procedures put in place to frustrate the evil intents of the terrorists. Nigerian Army troops in all locations are in high spirits and doing their best to ensure expeditious defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists.”

•Photo shows Boko Haram camp razed by Nigerian troops.

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