The Nigerian Army has reported the repelling of a Boko Haram attack on a military facility in Pulka, Borno State, as well the rescuing of 455 captives in yet another successful counter-terrorism operation.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said: “In the early hours of Friday, some elements of Boko Haram terrorists in 5 gun trucks, motorcycles and 2 Golf cars laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Sambisa forest axis attempted an attack on 121 Task Force Battalion at Pulka.

“The ever-alert and vigilant troops rose to the occasion and successfully repelled the attack and killed 7 Boko Haram terrorists, wounded several others and recovered 4 AK-47 rifles, 3 AK-47 rifle magazine and 92 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) belt ammunition. We wish to state that our troops are hale and hearty.”

On the rescue of the 455 persons from Boko Haram’s custody, Col. Usman said in a statement: “Troops of 3 Battalion caught a suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ spy near the Battalion Headquarters at Gamboru Ngala. On interrogation, he confessed that he was sent to spy on the troops from Wulge. Consequent upon this the troops organised a fighting patrol comprising elements of Army Headquarters Strike Group and Civilian JTF to Wulge and Walamari. The troops had encounter with Boko Haram terrorists in which they killed 27 of them, recovered 5 motorcycles and 8 bicycles. They also cleared 12 terrorists’ camps and recovered 1 AK-47 rifles as well as 1 Dane gun.

“The troops also rescued 455 persons and escorted them to Gamboru Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camp. Unfortunately, we lost one of the Civilian JTF. Nevertheless, the troops’ morale remains very high.”

Reporting on yet another operation, the Army Spokesman said: “Similarly, troops of 103 Battalion this evening ambushed Boko Haram terrorists at Mairimri village crossing point in which they killed quite a number of terrorists, recovered 15 bicycles and foodstuffs. Further confirmatory reconnaissance would be conducted to further exploit the situation.”

•Nigerian Army Photo shows bicycles recovered from Boko Haram terrorists . . . Friday in Borno State.

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