20 Boko Haram fighters killed in Borno, gun trucks, ammunition seized

The Nigerian Army on Sunday said 20 fighters of the Boko Haram were killed on Saturday while on their way to attack Askira Uba in Borno State.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 7 Division Maiduguri, Colonel Ado Isa, the heavily armed insurgents were promptly repelled by troops of 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, resulting in heavy casualties on the side of the terrorists.

Isa also disclosed that four gun trucks were captured by troops, apart from other ones that were destroyed by airstrikes conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole.

A soldier was however killed, while two others were wounded in the attack.

The terrorists, according to the statement, suspected to have come from the Sambisa forest, mounted on over 15 gun trucks and approached the town from different directions simultaneously.

The statement reads: “On the 12th of December 2020, gallant troops of 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) that attempted to attack Askira Uba in Borno State.

“The terrorists were suspected to have come from Sambisa Forest, mounted on over 15 gun trucks and approached the town from different directions simultaneously. Troops responded and engaged the criminals with superior firepower.

READ ALSO: Nigerian military kills nine Boko Haram fighters in North-East

“Consequently, the terrorists suffered huge losses both in men, materials and equipment. Specifically, the troops captured 4 gun trucks from the criminals while some additional gun trucks were also destroyed by the Air Task Force that responded swiftly.

“Scores of the terrorists were killed and over 20 terrorists’ dead bodies were counted. Additionally, 3 boxer motorcycles, 3 Anti Aircraft Guns, 2 PKT Machine Guns, 10 AK 47 Rifles and 13 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bombs, as well as a large cache of ammunition and other weapons, were captured from the terrorists among others.

“Unfortunately, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice and two others were wounded during the encounter and are stable/responding to treatment. May God grant repose to the soul of the dead soldier and quick recovery to the two Wounded in Action Soldiers.

“Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai will continue to sustain the aggressive, offensive posture to rid the entire North East of remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals, rapists and marauders.”

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