Nigerian and Cameroonian troops on Tuesday carried out major operations against the Boko Haram terrorists, invading their locations in Talala and Kumshe axis of Borno State. The joint operation “was quite successful as a number of the terrorists were killed, some of their weapons and equipment either destroyed or captured,” Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said last night. He put the total number of terrorists who died during the joint onslaught at 23, disclosing that 150 Boko Haram captives were freed in the process.

Col. Usman said in a statement issued in Abuja: “The joint operation between elements of 7 Division and the Cameroonian forces along Banki-Kumshe axis, led to the killing of 20 Boko Haram terrorists, destruction of 4 AK 47 rifles and capture of a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun (AA Gun) and 2 AK 47 rifles, as well as a 60mm mortar and a Dane gun. Unfortunately, 3 soldiers sustained injuries and a vehicle damaged as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Troops also encountered about 10 other IEDs along the route of advance which were cleared. Most of the terrorists ran in disarray towards Fatake where troops on blocking position cleared them.

“Along the Talala axis despite an IED in which 1 soldier was wounded and a damaged vehicle, the operation is progressing very well. More so as the Nigerian Air Force has been assisting with interdiction and surveillance.

“Troops at Kodo rescued 150 persons who were mainly children. In addition, a house with Boko Haram terrorists’ flag at Fatake caught fire with several ammunitions explosions in which 3 Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the house.

“It is important to state that 5 Brigade and 7 Multinational Joint Task Force were doing very well in their respective area of operations. This is made possible by the steady supply of needed logistics into the various formations and units fighting the Boko Haram terrorists. The Army also launched new mine clearing equipment, weapons and their ammunitions. It is noteworthy, apart from being the first mine clearing machines in the inventory of the Nigerian Army, it is one of the best in the world.”

Col. Usman said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has personally commended the troops for their impressive performance thus far in the ar against insurgency. “He made the commendation shortly after a briefing by the Deputy Theatre Commander and also the Land Component Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General LEO Irabor and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu at the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri,” Col. Usman said.

He explained that the Chief of Army Staff was in Maiduguri on official visit to formations and units in the North East. “He was accompanied by the Chief of Training and Operations, Major General YM Abubakar and other senior officers from the Army Headquarters,” the Army Spokesman said.

“It is pertinent to state that in all the formations and units visited, troops morale remains high, focussed and determined to bring the fight against terrorism and insurgency to a logical and successful end,” he added.

•Photo shows a Nigerian Army Commander plotting strategies with his visiting Cameroonian counterpart.

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