The Nigerian troops at the border villages of Kirchinga/ Imirs, Adamawa state fiercely engaged members of the Boko Haram sect in a gun duel which ultimately led to the deaths of over 30 terrorists in the wee hours of yesterday, Sunday.
According to security sources, the troops had laid ambush for the insurgents between the border villages , which came under attacks of the sect in recent times, leading to the killing of innocent residents.
A member of civilian JTF operative who participated in the campaign, said , following intelligence report about the movement of the Boko Haram fighters, an ambush was laid, which resulted in the killing of many of their(sect’s) members.
“Following information about the movements of the Boko Haram we got, we decided to lay an ambush in the early hours of Sunday. Our efforts yielded results as we succeeded in killing over 30 of the insurgents after a fierce gun duel.
“We confiscated many weapons from the invading terrorists including AK 47 assault rifles, double barrel, bows and arrows and other dangerous weapons,” said the source.
The onslaught against the insurgents followed increased attacks on parts of Madagali local government leading to the death of three soldiers and the abduction of one senior military officer alongside his operational vehicle.
Another vigilante operative had also said that Boko Haram insurgents had disguised as local vigilante operatives in the process, killing unsuspecting residents and soldiers.
“The insurgents who disguised as local vigilante mounted road blocks across the highway and pretended to be carrying out routine checks.
“The soldiers were lured into the booby trap of the insurgents who immediately swooped on them and killed three soldiers and abducted one of the soldiers” the source said.
In Kirchinga village in Madagali local government of the state, reports had earlier indicated that a fierce gun duel had ensued between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram insurgents, who launched attack on the village on Saturday afternoon.
Confirming the incident, member representing Madagali/Michika Federal constituency, Adamu Kamale called on the federal government to deploy more troops to safeguard lives and properties.
Commenting on the development, the state governor, Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, assured residents of the affected communities that the state government would continue to support the civilian JTF and local vigilante groups to fight the insurgents.