Heavy fighting between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram terrorists ensued yesterday in Adamawa State as soldiers backed from the air by Nigerian Airforce attack helicopters launched an attack to retake territories in the possession of Boko Haram.

In the battle that continued into the night, about 400 Boko Haram terrorists had been killed while there were casualties on the part of the Nigerian soldiers.

Military sources in Adamawa State told Vanguard that the onslaught to retake the towns of Bazza, Michika and Madagali was launched from the town of Vimtim, the hometown of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, and that the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Army, Major General Mohammed Zaruwa, was coordinating the onslaught

Said the source: “I can assure you that we are advancing successfully. We have dealt a heavy blow on the terrorists. They didn’t expect what they are seeing. Our armoured tanks are blasting and they are running for their lives. The airforce is providing air cover and hitting them also.

“I cannot give you a categorical answer regarding casualties but so far about 400 of the terrorists have been killed. We have casualties among our soldiers also but the propaganda circulating that 70 of our men were killed is wishful thinking.

“From reports on the ongoing battle, we may have lost a few soldiers but it cannot be confirmed because usually, they may have been injured and are holed up somewhere for first aid treatment.”

Contacted on the development, Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, confirmed the fighting but said he could not give casualty figures or full details as operatives on ground were yet to furnish him with the situation report. He said he would give details when the operation is concluded.

•Excerpted from a Vanguard report. Photo shows Nigerian troops engaged in the Boko Haram war.