By Gom Mirian, Abuja 

The Military high command on Wednesday, said its troops deployed in the North Eastern region for ensuring peace and security in the area have killed unknown number of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and retrieved various arms.

 
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, major General John Enenche in a statement, said the feat was achieved by the troops of sector 1 in the last seven days, who engaged the terrorists hibernating within its own area of operation in the theater.

Major Enenche explained that on April 22, troops of 121 Task Force (TF) Battalion under 26 TF Bde, while in ambush position, made contact with BHTs at crossing point at Pulka-Firgi road.

” One BHT was killed, One loaded AK 47 rifle recovered. Additionally, a motorcycle painted in Military colour along with one locally fabricated Hand grenade were also recovered”, he said.

According to Enenche, a similar operation took place on Friday by troops of 192 Battalion  of 26 Bridge, who were deployed at Gwoza, while on night ambush  operations came in contact with Boko Haram Terrorists attempting to cross through the Mandara mountains to Sambisa Forest  and in the ensuing fire fight neutralised two  BHTs, while several others escaped in disarray with gunshot wounds. 
Enenche disclosed further that a bicycle and 2 copies of the Holy Qur’an with assorted clothing items were recovered.

He said following some credible information received of Boko Haram terrorists attack at Yenegu village about 5 kilometers from own troops location on Monday, troops of Echo company 114 Battalion swift into action and engaged the terrorists, neutralised some of their members. 

“while 26 TF Bde was hammering the terrorists along the mandara mountains, the gallant troops of 152 TF Bn deployed at Kumshe under 21 Special Armoured Brigade (SAB) engaged BHTs in a fierce fire fight with the BHTs who attacked their location on 22 April, 2020. 

“Unfortunately in the process, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice while another sustained gunshot wound. 
” However, 3 BHTs were neutralised, 1 motorcycle captured as others were suspected to have fled with life threatening injuries.

“Also on 24 April, 2020, troops of 151 Battalion of 21 SAB conducted ambush operations along Firgi general area and made contact with BHTs. No casaulty on own troops while items recovered includes 1 Ak 47 rifle, 2 motorcycles and 2 bicyles.

 ” Consolidating on the gains of the successes so far achieved, troops of 152 Bn  in another ambush operation on 26 April 20 made contact with BHTs food supply party near their crossing point at Miyanti. The criminals were engaged, a soldier sustained minor injury while 3 BHTs were killed, 4 Carts conveying several food items and clothing were destroyed at the location.

“While on general clearance operations within Sector 1 AOR, troops of 222, 151, 21 SAB Gar and 202 Bns under 21 SAB were led by the Garrison Commander 21SAB on  clearance operations to Bula Shatane village 15 Kilometres from Bama and came in contact with BHTs who fled on sighting the ferocious troops advancing towards their location with heavy gun fire. The village was successfully cleared while all makeshift houses were destroyed.

“Due to the ongoing offensive action within the Sector AOR, on 23 April 2020, 2 members of the BHTs came out from Bula Bello and Yerimari Gana and surrendered to own troops of 21 SAB Garrison deployed at Bama. The 2 surrendered terrorists were handed over to 21SAB Military Intelligence Regiment. During preliminary investigation, they revealed that the sustained military operations by land and air made them to surrender.

” Additionally, on 21 April 2020, a total of 19 IDPs arrived Army Super Camp 6 Bama from Jebe village. The IDPs were searched, screened and accommodated at own holding facility pending the conclusion of preliminary investigation. However, the IDPs were fed while the minors were administered with polio vaccines. In summary about 11 BHTs criminals were neutralized while many escaped with injuries and equipment  and supplies captured and destroyed while some surrendered.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute and highly committed to end the Boko Haram insurgency. The general public is  requested to continue to provide timely and credible information for the enhancement of our operations”. The statement read.