Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole on Wednesday killed nine Boko Harram fighters and wounded several others in a gun battle that lasted for about an hour in the Bulabulin area of Borno State.

According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, two Hand Grenades, one Improvised Explosive Devices, five Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit and nine motorcycles.

Col. Usman also disclosed that the troops’ hand held radio was badly damaged during the encounter, stressing that the troops would continue the clearance operation of the remnants of the Boko Haram in all the nooks and crannies of their areas of operation with renewed vigour and determination.

In another development, the troops on Wednesday also arrested three members of the terrorist group with the assistance of Civilian JTF at the cattle market in Maiduguri.

The Army gave the names of the suspects as Abba Go Dallagio, Abba Fanned and Alhaji Nwariye.

“During preliminary investigation they claimed that they entered into Maiduguri through Mafa with about 200 cows for sale at Maiduguri cattle market. The suspects further stated that they are part of logistics elements of the Boko Haram terrorist group that assist in selling cows for the insurgents.

“They further added that proceeds are remitted to the terrorists to fund their nefarious activities. So far, troops have identified and isolated 23 cows at the cattle market. Similarly, one of their agents and spy at the market, Alhaji Ajid Umar, has also been arrested. A total of 170 cows were isolated in connection with him. All the suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation,” Col. Usman said in a statement.

•Photo shows the suspected terrorists, Abba Go Dallagio, Abba Fanned and Alhaji Nwariye.

Update news