Gallant troops of 158 Task Force Battalion on fighting patrol to Futchimiram village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State have gunned down two Boko Haram terrorists, the Nigerian Army has said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Deputy Director, Public Relations, 8 Task Force Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Timothy Antigha disclosed: “For the second time in four days , troops within 8 Task Force Division Area of Responsibility have denied Boko Haram terrorists room to conduct their nefarious activities.

“Items recovered include an AK 47 riffle, two magazines, 36 rounds of 7.26 mm ammunition, grenade and two Motorcycles. Other items include desert camouflage uniform, two mobile phones, motorcycle spare parts, dry cell batteries, two pairs of sandals and N6, 000 cash.

“In a related development, vigilant troops of 159 Task Force Battalion have apprehended a notorious Boko Haram terrorist, Mr. Abbas Abubakar, noted for levying terror on Kangarwa, Mallam Fatori and adjourning localities.”

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Task Force Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Stevenson Olabanji hosted Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the Division’s Area of Responsibility in the Officers' Mess Kinnasara Military Cantonment, Monguno, as part of the activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 57th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking at the occasion, Brigadier General Olabanji noted that the Independence Anniversary presents an occasion for stock taking and rededication of efforts toward greater achievement.

He expressed appreciation to the NGO Community for complementing the humanitarian activities of the division as well as bringing relief and hope to the traumatised populations of Northern Borno. He noted that without NGOs the goal of stabilising the desperate humanitarian situation in the area would be difficult to accomplish.

Speaking further, he commended officers and soldiers of the division for their discipline and steadfastness in the war against Boko Haram terrorists. Brigadier General Olabanji also urged troops to remain loyal to constituted authority at all times.

Earlier, the division organised Jumma’at Prayers, Sunday Services and Camp. The Camp Fire which was well attended afforded Commanders, officers, soldiers as well as civilians an opportunity to interact and share experiences.

The climax of the ceremony was the cutting of the Anniversary cake by GOC, assisted by Commanders and civilian dignitaries.

Organisations that were represented at the occasion include; State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Medicine Sans Frontier (MSF), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Gisco/United Nations High Commission for Refugees, among others.

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