The
Nigerian military has killed about 26 suspected members of the dreaded Boko
Haram sect in an attempted failed attack on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
camp in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno state. The IDP camp in Dikwa, with
a population of over 40,000 refugees, has witnessed series of attacks by
insurgents recently.
Unfortunately,
a soldier, a civilian JTF member and some IDP members also lost their lives in
the fresh encounter that took place in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said:
The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said:
“Following
the dislodgement of Boko Haram terrorists camps in the border towns of Kumshe
and Talala by joint operations of Nigerian and Cameroonian forces, the
terrorists made a futile attempt on Dikwa early today. From all indications,
the terrorists aimed at causing havoc at the Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) camp located at Dikwa.
‘’However
and unknown to the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, the Armed Forces Special
Forces in blocking positions decisively dealt with the terrorists; killing
many, recovered vehicle, arms and ammunitions.
“Unfortunately,
we lost a soldier and a member of the local vigilante (Civilian JTF)
during the encounter, while 3 soldiers and 4 Internally Displaced Persons
sustained injuries. A military vehicle was damaged by a Vehicle Borne
Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) suicide bomber.
“The troops recovered 26 bodies of the Boko
Haram terrorists, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
‘’We
destroyed 3 VIED, 1 MBIED and 2 Gun trucks. The gallant troops recovered
1 Gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Dushka Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1
Browning Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tube. Others
include 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 4 AK 47 Rifles, 3 RPG Bombs, 36
Hand Grenades, 1 Smoke Grenade and 8 AK-47 rifles magazines.
“The
troops also recovered 236 rounds of 12.7mm ammunitions, 396 rounds of 7.62mm
ammunitions and 101 rounds of 762mm (Special), ammunitions. The casualties have
seen been evacuated, while the troops have been pursuing those terrorists who escaped
with gunshot wounds”.
The
Army Spokesman stated that it is encouraging to note that despite the loss of a
colleague and the vigilante, the troops have maintain dominating presence in
the general area and are poised to continue to clear the remnants of the
Boko Haram terrorists.