The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have eliminated 35 Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in clearance operations between May 11 and 22 in Borno.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Enenche said the troops dealt deadly blows on the terrorists when troops of Army Super Camp 6 and 7 conducted a long range fighting patrol on May 11 and cleared Adzunge and adjoining villages.

He also disclosed that troops of Special Response Area Pulka with the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters ambushed the terrorists on May 13 along Pulka-Boko-Kirawa road.

The coordinator added that eight Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters were killed while 10 Motorcycles and assorted food items were captured.

According to him, troops of 192 Battalion on May 15, ambushed the terrorists relocating from Sambisa forest to Mandara mountains due to heavy air and artillery bombardments.

“Five of them were killed, 3 AK47 rifles and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one pair of BHT/ISWAP uniform, two cartridges and other clothing materials were recovered.

“Same day, troops of 22 Brigade deployed at Dikwa in conjunction with troops from Quick Response Area neutralized 2 terrorists who attempted to attack the troops location from Boboshe.

“Others fled with gunshot wounds. One AK47 rifle and one magazine with 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered.

“Between 19 and 20 May 2020, following Gajigana attack, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 195 and 212 Battalions with Vigilantes exploited and discovered 5 terrorists killed in action.

“Five AK47 rifles, two terrorists’ gun trucks, one anti aircraft gun, six assorted magazines, 250 rounds of 12.7 mm, 61 rounds of 7.62 mm and two hand grenades were recovered,” he said.

Enenche further disclosed that troops of Special Response Area Pulka with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, also ambushed the terrorists on May 20 along Pulka-Dirgi-Banki general area and killed two terrorists.

He added that others escaped with gun shot wounds while one AK 47 loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered.

Enenche also stated that troops of 81 Division Task Force under 22 Brigade and 153 Task Force Battalion with Civilian Joint Task Force on May 21, killed eight terrorists in a clearance operation at Mugdala village.

He disclosed that one AK47 rifle, one Dane gun, three Boko Haram flags, two bicycles, two Techno cell phones, two memory cards and other phone accessories were recovered.

According to him, troops of 202 Battalion and Special Armoured Brigade Garrison Bama, on May 22 killed three terrorists at crossing point along Bama Aulari road.

“In all, a total of 35 BHT/ISWAP terrorists were killed in Sector 1 offensives between May 11 and 22.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, commended the gallant troops for their professionalism.

“The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria congratulates and also encourages troops to maintain the momentum of their operations, towards eradicating the terrorists from the North East,” he said. (NAN)

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