Boko Haram terrorists yesterday launched a major attack on a 119 Battalion Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori, northern Borno State, killing an Army Colonel in the offensive.

But the troops fought gallantly and repelled the attack, killing 14 Boko Haram fighters.

Army Spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman in a statement issued on Saturday, said that four other Nigerian soldiers died in the attack, while four others sustained various degrees of injury during the encounter.

“One of those killed in action, was Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion.

“It will be recalled that because of the late senior officer’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9th September 2015 during an operational visit.

“So far, the troops have recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), seven AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition. Mopping up and exploitation are ongoing.”

•Photo shows Boko Haram terrorists.

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