A joint operation between Nigerian and Cameroonian troops decimated the ranks of the terrorist Boko Haram sect, setting the fundamentalist back by 23 foot soldiers who were killed by the troops.
This was contained in a Tuesday statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Usman Sani,
The statement said that the 7 Division executed major operations and sacked the sect in Talala and Kumshe axis.
In a joint operation between the 7 Division and Cameroonian troops along Banki-Kumshe, 20 terrorists were slaughtered and equipment including 4 AK 47 rifles, a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun and 2 AK 47 rifles, a Dane gun and 60mm mortar were recovered.
In the same vein, troops sacked terrorists in Kodo and rescued 150 civilians, who were mainly children.
This is just as an explosive-laden house with Boko Haram flag in the area exploded, killing three insurgents .
The statement read: “The joint operation which was carried out with Cameroonian forces was quite successful as a number of the terrorists were killed, some of their weapons and equipment either destroyed or captured.
“Unfortunately, 3 soldiers sustained injuries and a vehicle damaged as a result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
“Troops also encountered about 10 other IEDs along the route of advance which were cleared. Most of the terrorists ran in disarray towards Fatake where troops on blocking position cleared them.
“Along the Talala axis despite an IED in which 1 soldier was wounded and a damaged vehicle, the operation is progressing very well. Moreso as the Nigerian Air Force has been assisting with interdiction and surveillance.
“It is important to state that 5 Brigade and 7 Multinational Joint Task Force were doing very well in their respective area of operations. “This is made possible by the steady supply of needed logistics into the various formations and units fighting the Boko Haram terrorists.
“The Army also launched new mine clearing equipment, weapons and their ammunitions. It is noteworthy, apart from being the first mine clearing machines in the inventory of the Nigerian Army; it is one of the best in the world.
“In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has once again personally commended the troops for their impressive performance thus far.
“He made the commendation shortly after a briefing by the Deputy Theatre Commander and also the Land Component Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General LEO Irabor and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu at the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri.
“The Chief of Army Staff was in Maiduguri on official visit to formations and units in the North East. He was accompanied by the Chief of Training and Operations, Major General YM Abubakar and other senior officers from the Army Headquarters.
“It is pertinent to state that in all the formations and units visited, troops morale remains high, focused and determined to bring the fight against terrorism and insurgency to a logical and successful end.”