Nigerian Troops in actions
Nigerian Troops in actions
Notorious Informant Nabbed for Exposing Troops Movements
to Boko Haram
In a commendable display of sheer gallantry, the troops of
Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with the Air Task
Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE delivered a humiliating defeat to a
group of Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on
22nd December 2019 during a massive failed attempt by the criminal
insurgents to infiltrate Damaturu, the Yobe State Capital. During
the encounter, the resilient troops promptly mobilized and blocked
the criminal insurgents’ advance along Gashua Road in the outskirts
of Damaturu.
The troops thereafter engaged the criminals in a fierce fire
fight with the support of Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE
which unleashed devastating fire power from the air to help take
out some of the criminals’ Gun Trucks.
This superior fire power forced the criminal insurgents to
withdraw in disarray albeit with very heavy casualty in both men
and equipment. It is confirmed that a top ISWAP Commander, Abu
Muqhtar, believed to have coordinated several attacks along the
fringes of Lake Chad was neutralised along with over 30 other
insurgents in that attack.
Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers were wounded in action during
the encounter. The wounded personnel are currently receiving
treatment and responding positively at a military medical facility.
In the aftermath of the encounter, troops captured 1 Gun Truck and
destroyed 2 others. Troops equally captured 561 Rounds of 12.7mm
ammunition, 1420 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 1850 Rounds
of 7.62mmX51 ammunition and 2 Rocket Propelled Gun bombs. Other
items captured by the gallant troops include, one Hand Held
Communication Radio, 27 sachets of Meal Ready to Eat wraps and 350
liters of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol).
In a related development, some criminal Boko Haram insurgents,
oblivious of the humiliating defeat suffered by their cohorts
barely 24 hours ago, were reportedly sighted heading towards Biu
town from Mandara Girau axis of Biu LGA of Borno State late in the
afternoon of 23rd December 2019, mounted on 17 Gun Trucks and
motorcycles. In a swift and commendably bold response, the troops
of 231 Battalion moved and engaged the advancing criminals while
troops of 331 Artillery Regiment brought to bear deafening
artillery bombardment on the visibly confused criminal insurgents
forcing them to withdraw in disarray amid heavy casualty.
In yet another development, in the early hours of Monday 23rd
December 2019, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion deployed at Pulka
in Gwoza LGA of Borno State also thwarted another Boko Haram attack
on their location with devastating consequence on the marauding
criminals.
The 2 front attacks by the criminals were effectively contained
and decisively repulsed by the gallant troops. In the aftermath of
the encounter, 4 Boko Haram criminals including one suicide bomber
were neutralized while others are believed to have escaped with
varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
In a related development, troops of Sector 1 deployed at Gwoza
LGA of Borno State conducted a robust clearance operation deep into
Sambisa Forest on 23rd December 2019.
The rugged troops cleared Banari, Keluri, Usmanti and Jowlori
Villages all of Gwoza LGA respectively. During the operation,
troops came in contact with some Boko Haram criminals who obviously
could not withstand the troops’ fighting prowess and therefore fled
deep into the forest. Nevertheless, the troops captured 2 of the
criminal Boko Haram insurgents alive, rescued 9 women and 9
children.
The rescued children were immediately administered with Polio
vaccine before being evaluated to safety. The troops equally
recovered several items from the terrorists including 8 rounds of
Anti-Aircraft Gun ammunition, 14 ammunition projectiles, one
ammunition projectile for Shilka, 9 rounds of 7.62mm Special
ammunition, one Black Boko Haram flag, some quantities of drugs,
clothing, wires, bandolier and one Dane gun.
In an earlier development that occured on 22nd December 2019,
troops of Headquarters 19 Brigade defeated a Boko Haram criminals’
ambush between Gajigana and Tungushe in Magumeri LGA of Borno State
while on a fighting patrol along the axis.
During the brief encounter, 2 Boko Haram criminals strapped with
Improvised Explosive Device jackets were neutralised while one AK
47 rifle was recovered from the insurgents.
Also, on 21st December 2019, troops of 112 Task Force Battalion
deployed at Ajiri in Mafa LGA of Borno State equally dealt a
devastating blow on some marauding Boko Haram criminals mounted on
4 Gun Trucks and motorcycles.
The resilient troops intercepted the criminals while advancing
from the Dikwa axis with precise artillery fire and unrelenting
ground assault which sent the criminals off balance and scampering
for safety in total disarray. Nevertheless, 4 Boko Haram criminals
were neutralized (one of them clad in suicide vest) while one Gun
Truck, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 41 Rounds of Anti-Aircraft Gun
ammunition, 68 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition NATO, one AK 47 rifle,
one AK 47 rifle magazine, were captured from the insurgents. Other
items captured include one Baofeng Hand Held radio, some quantities
of Boko Haram uniforms and warm clothing.
In another development, on 22nd December 2019, a Joint Tactical
Team deployed to Borno and Yobe States apprehended a suspected
ISWAP spy and logistics supplier, one Mohammed Aliyu at Mega Zaleri
area of Konduga LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation
revealed series of communications between the suspect, Modu Sulum
and Abu Qaqa both of whom are high profile ISWAP Commanders on the
wanted list of the Nigerian Army.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to have
been informing ISWAP of Military and Nigeria Police movements and
deployments. He further added that he uses donkeys for shipment of
items he supplies to ISWAP as a deception to evade security
checks.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai
extends his goodwill message to the troops and further admonishes
them to remain resolute in finishing the remnants of the criminal
elements who are currently strangulated and obviously gasping for
their lives in the Theatre.
AMINU ILIYASU
Colonel
Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator