BEVERLY HILLS, April 01, (THEWILL) – Troops of the 155 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Friday carried out clearance operations on Boko Haram terrorist, where it discovered and destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, factory.
They also cleared the hide-out of Boko Haram terrorists in Wulwuta village, near Jere, Bama Local Government Area, from which a laptop, one solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and six ready IEDs pressure plates were recovered from the operations.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, who disclosed this in a statement, stated that nine Boko Haram terrorists were killed while one soldier sustained injury.
He added that other items recovered include a loaded pistol with registration number D557954, 3 rounds of 7.65mm, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions and combat boots, amongst others.
The statement reads in part, “The gallant unit also rescued 21 persons held captives by the terrorists, comprising 8 men, 4 women and 9 children. They have been moved to the Brigade Headquarters for further care, screening and eventual hand over to the appropriate agencies.
“The troops noticed that the terrorists were determined to cause maximum casualty on them by stuffing 2 empty artillery shells and other cartridges with IED and batteries ready to explode.
“These were however safely detonated by the Explosive Ordinance Device, EOD, team attached to the unit.”
Meanwhile, Usman had earlier urged the public to disregard a story published by a national daily that angry soldiers held their GOC over food, water shortage, stressing that it is not true that the troops behaved in the manner that was reported.
He explained that the troops that captured the strategic forest of Alagarno only experienced some logistics problem that include water shortage due to some unforeseen circumstances which is normal in war situation and urged the public to continue to support the Nigerian Army in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in the country.
The Army spokesman said, “If Alagarno is truly inaccessible, how did the gallant troops rout out the Boko Haram terrorists in the forest? The concoction of this story and the release of yet another video by some remnants of Boko Haram terrorists could be more than mere coincidence.
“Therefore, one begin to wonder what is the motive behind such false story by the reporter. For the avoidance of doubt, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu indeed visited the troops and also supplied water to them.
“The GOC did not leave the troops as insinuated. Rather, the troops hailed the GOC for his passion and empathic disposition towards the soldiers. As a matter of fact, he actively participated in clearance operations along Bulablin – Alargano axis with the troops and was with them in their defensive location throughout.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army wishes to request the retraction of this story by the paper and also enjoin reporters to always cross check their facts before filing their stories. They should also understand that misinformation by Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers greatly assist their evil activities.”
