The Nigerian Army has lost four of its troops after a clash between them and some Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists along the Lake Chad and Tumbus borders.
Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, Director, Army Public Relations, said troops of Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole were doing a clearance patrol when the incident happened in a statement released on Monday.
In a statement titled, ‘How Troops Obliterated Boko Haram Terrorists Along with Fringes Of Lake Chad, Tumbus’, the Army spokesperson reveals that the troops fought without fear as they crushed the insurgents’ gun trucks and further captures their ammunitions.
The statement reads in part, “As they (troops) commenced the second phase of their operations and advancing along the Kukawa – Monguno road, about 14 kilometers to their base, they sighted BHTs/ISWAP gun trucks and swiftly commenced pursuit with heavy fire and deft maneuver.
“In the course of the hot pursuit which was aided by air cover provided by the Air Task Team of Operation Lafia Dole, several terrorists were neutralized and their gun trucks destroyed.
“Unfortunately, however, 1 officer and 3 gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifices while those wounded in action are currently receiving medical attention at 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Maimalari Cantonment.
“Above is the on-the-spot account of the encounter between Nigerian troops and the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Monguno area and the environment.
“Members of the public are assured that the troops are on top of the situation and working assiduously to end the insurgency and terrorism in the country in line with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff.”