By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Army in conjunction with hybrid force and element of Civilian Joint Task Force, have successfully overran Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ stronghold in Lake Chad Region.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the offensive operation was conducted on Wednesday with a fierce battle leading to the killing of three terrorists and recovery of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

Others items recover are a truck mounted anti aircraft gun and a cache of arms and ammunition.

He said the insurgents attacked the troops with a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), Mortar, Gun trucks and motorbikes.

Nwachukwu said the insurgents fell under the overwhelming superior fire power of the troops, forcing them to abandon their stronghold, armaments and equipment in disarray.

According to him, the operation proved to be a major setback to the insurgents, as the gallant troops neutralised three terrorists.

“Items recovered are one MRAP, one gun truck, one Dushka Machine Gun, one AK 47 Rifle and one locally fabricated gun.

“Troops also captured one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb, 273 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Pumping machine, 65 Dushka links, 48 General Purpose Machine Gun links and three motorbikes.

“The gallant troops are presently exploiting their success in pursuit of the routed insurgents,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the Nigerian army troops had in a separate operation at criminals’ hideouts in Katakpa Village in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, eliminated one criminal.

He said the troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one Pump Action semi- automatic rifle, three AK-47 magazines and 90 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for the successful operations and charged them to remain resilient and sustain the momentum of the operations. (NAN)

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