As the battle to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency by December continues, the Nigerian Army fighting with the support of the Air Force, has killed over 100 insurgents who attempted to take over the headquarters of the 120 Task Force Battalion in Damaturu, Yobe State.
This came as Yobe State Police Commissioner, Mr. Markus Danladi, confirmed that four suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers attacked Buhari Housing Estate and a village on the outskirts of Damaturu, killing 18 people and injuring 25 others in the Yobe State capital early, yesterday.
The battle of Goniri
According to the military, the battle which occurred at Goniri saw the troops, well-armed with modern fighting equipment, repelling the terrorists who came in droves, seeking to re-establish a base in Yobe State and capture the arms and ammunition from the battalion’s armoury.
A statement detailing the operation, signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman said: “Fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in a great sign of desperation and to create an impression that they remain relevant, in the early hours of today (yesterday) made a futile attempt on 120 Task Force Battalion troops located at Goniri, Yobe State.
The encounter
“During the encounter, our gallant troops successfully repelled the attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the invading terrorists as all of them were killed.
“After the encounter, the troops recovered a sizeable number of arms; ammunition and other equipment from the terrorists.
“These include one General Purpose Machine Gun, two Rocket Propelled Grenades, nine AK-47 rifles and belted rounds of 7.62 (NATO) ammunition. Others were various wires used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), seven Primed IEDs, different types of spanners and a torchlight.
“The troops have consolidated on the encounter and are more determined to defend their location and continue to serve as blocking force to any fleeing terrorists from the Nigerian Air Force aerial bombardments and other troops’ artillery fire.
“In a related development, troops of 21 Brigade on fighting patrol from Bama to Ngurosoye, have destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ camps along that axis.
“While on patrol, the brave soldiers came across some of the terrorists’ hideouts that also served as fabricating area for IEDs and the terrorists’ training area.
“Another patrol along Bama-Kawuri axis discovered and exhumed IEDs and wires for detonation.
“It is important to reiterate that the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, would not relent in its determined effort to defeat Boko Haram terrorists.”
