By Sumaila Ogbaje
Nigerian Army has explained how its troops captured 60 heavily primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) other assorted weapons and killed many terrorists in a recent offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno.
This is contained in a statement by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, on Friday.
Kovangiya said the operation, conducted around Marte and Dikwa general areas on Thursday, by troops of Operation Hadin led to the elimination of several terrorists.
He said the troops discovered the IEDs at a bridge linking Marte – Dikwa, believed to have been stashed by the terrorists to unleash mayhem and destroy critical national infrastructure.
According to him, the recovery has indeed thwarted a disaster that would have taken place in the area.
Kovangiya said the troops conducted another coordinated fighting patrol to Fulatari in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno ,leading to the capture of a terrorist fighter.
He said that another combat team on operations around Mussini in Ngala Local Government Area came in contact and engaged the terrorists with superior fire power, forcing the terrorists to scamper in disarray.
According to him, troops during pursuit, recovered AK47 rifles, jerry cans of premium motor spirit, motorcycles, and terrorists’s uniforms among other sundry items.
“In another development, troops on offensive operations at Salekwa area in Mafa Local Government Area made further contact with the insurgents neutralising some fighters while others fled.
“While exploiting the general area, troops recovered AK47 rifles, AK47 Magazines and the body of one neutralised terrorist.
“The resilient troops, have been commended by the Military High Command and have continued to conduct series of operations in high spirit.
“They are operating with close air support from the Air Component Command of OPHK and in collaboration with relevant security agencies and stakeholders, to facilitate socio-economic activities in the North East,” he said. (NAN)
