A man suspected to be the leader of a group of insurgents being hunted by Nigeria’s Special Forces in the country’s North-East has escaped with gunshot wounds, according to the latest Mission Update by the country’s Defence Headquarters.

The unidentified man fled across the border into neighbouring Chad Republic, said Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade. Seven of the man’s accomplices were, however, less fortunate as they were apprehended by the Special Forces, Olukolade disclosed. He said in the Mission Update that reached News Express this morning:

“Five Nigeriens and two Chadians are among the fleeing insurgents apprehended by the Special Forces as troops continue their pursuit of terrorists dislodged from their bases. The seven were among the 9 arrested atTumbu Gini, a border town with Chad as they tried to cross the borders into Chad.The man suspected to be leading the group escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has observed that attempts are being made by insurgents and their collaborators to push into public domain, questionable and manipulated messages meant to misinform the public. The message which calls for support from Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as other cohorts of the insurgents is clearly a confirmation of the level of pressure which has been brought to bear on the insurgents.

“There is indeed no cause for alarm as the insurgents are actually in flight, necessitating their call for help from their foreign allies. The operation to put an end to the activities of insurgents is continuing and in line with overall plans for the nation’s security.”

•Photo shows Nigerian troops hunting the terrorists in the country’s North-East region.