Heavy pounding of identified Boko Haram’s hideouts has not only disorganised the sect but also thrown their warriors into confusion, the spokesman for the Nigerian military has confirmed.

Giving an update on the all-out war against the sect that has killed upwards of 4,000 Nigerians since 2009, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, disclosed late yesterday that 14 of the insurgents had been killed and 20 more captured. At least 65 other Boko Haram suspects had been captured within the first two days of the military operation that followed last Tuesday’s imposition f emergency rule on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Below is the text of a statement by Brig.-Gen. Olukolade entitled “Update: Battle as troops pursue terrorists” issued in Abuja, the Nigerian capital:

“Troops have continued the advance and attack on identified terrorist camps in the Northern part of the country. Patrols are also ongoing to secure towns and villages from infiltration, while curfew on identified flash points are being enforced.

“Dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards various borders. Their bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in their holdings.

“In the course of special forces’ pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensured since yesterday. After a mop-up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead, while 7 vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered. A total of 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled. Altogether, 3 soldiers died, while 7 are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing.

“Meanwhile, the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in front where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday.

“Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far. The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way as much as possible.”

•Photo: Boko Haram's leaders have been thrown off balance by the Nigerian military's deadly onslaught.

Update news