Troops from the Theatre Command of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in Borno State have killed 37 militants, captured 23 of them alive and destroyed many of their camps, the Commander overseeing the General Officers Commanding (GOCs) of 3 and 7 Divisions, Major-General Yusha’u Abubakar, said at the weekend.

Abubakar told newsmen in Maiduguri that the troops also recovered weapons and ammunitions of various types.

He said in Gubumbali and environs, troops killed 10 militants and librated the town.

“Also in Boboshe village near Durkwa the troops successfully dislodged Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 2 Buffalo vehicles, 2 Hilux vehicles, 2 AA Guns, 3 81mm mortar tubes, assorted ammo including 3 81mm bombs, 101 rounds of 6mm bombs, 20 boxes of 12.7mm ammo, 21 RPG bombs, large quantity of Shilka Rds and a large quantity of 7.62mm Special Rds,” he said.

According to him, in Gasarwa village which is between Maiduguri and Monguno town, the troops killed18 Boko Haram terrorists and captured 2 AK 47 rifles, 1 GPMG, 1 RPG,7 bombs, 1 box of 7.62mm special and 2 GPMG belts.

Elsewhere in other villages, he said: “The troops in harbour at Kardewa village were attacked by the terrorists but the attack was successfully repelled and the troops recovered 25 motorcycles, 40 Boko Haram flags, 10 grinding machines and an IED making factor. Additional Boko Haram enclaves at Anguwan Fulani Rugo, Anguwan Fulani Kaderwa, Dure Fadagwe Christian, Fdacwe Muni and Balazala were destroyed.

“The terrorists had launched several rockets from Bulabulin Balgawe Ajiri in an attempt to break into Maiduguri but our troops moved forward with coordinated artillery fire support and the attack was successfully repelled.”

Abubakar said during the past week, troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Ngumnari village, killed two terrorists and recovered 1 AK 47 rifle and captured 1 dane gun, adding that the troops arrested one Mr Madu Abubakar who was suspected to be spying for the terrorists. The suspect hid in the midst of 30 women and tried to escape during interrogation but was shot dead.

He said the troops also destroyed suspected Boko Haram food dumps along Kukawa- Gudumbali axis.

The commander said within the past week troops in Gwoza town repelled an attack and pursued the terrorists out of the area where seven of them were killed. Five terrorists were arrested while nine women and six children were rescued.

Major-General Abubakar said troops arrested 17 suspected militants in Geidam and Katarko and all of them were being interrogated. (Daily Trust)

•File photo shows a Boko Haram armoured car blasted by Nigerian troops.

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