Boko Haram lose 26 fighters in bid to overrun IDP camp

Dreaded members of terrorist group Boko Haram lost 26 fighters in its bid to overrun an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) camp in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno state when it engaged military troops in a gun battle.
The heavy exchange of gunfire at the IDP camp which has witnessed series of attacks by insurgents also, according to a source, saw the killing of a soldier, a civilian JTF member and some IDP members in the attack which occurred very early on Wednesday morning.

According to a statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, he said; “Following 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. Col. Usman said, 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.

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“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, 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 that escaped with gunshot wounds”. The statement read in full.

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