SAN FRANCISCO, October 22, (THEWILL) – No fewer than 37 suspected Boko Haram members were killed on Monday by the Nigerian Army in air and land raids of one of the camps of the insurgents in a Borno village.
A statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations (DDAPR), Captain Aliyu Ibrahim Danja, on Tuesday, said the onslaught was targeted at the terrorists camp in Alagarno village where no fewer than 37 suspected terrorists were killed and several others fleeing with gunshot wounds.
According to the statement, the troops also recovered several arms and ammunition while three Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles belonging to the suspects were also destroyed.
The incident left many people living around the village scampering for safety as the operation was carried out by a coordinated ground and air assault by the troops on the terrorists’ camp.
No civilian casualty was however recorded during the operation which lasted three hours as the attack was restricted to the isolated camp of the terrorists.
According to Danja, “Based on available intelligence, troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army launched an attack on terrorists camp in Alagarno, the operation which commenced on Monday 21st October, 2013 involved a coordinated ground and air assault by our troops in conjucntion with 79 Composite Group, Nigerian Air force Maiduguri destroy the terrorists’ camp.
“A total of 37 terrorists were killed in the fire fight while several others fled with gunshot wounds.”
He disclosed that some arms and ammunitions were also recovered, while three Hilux vehicles and several motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were destroyed by the troops during the operation.
Danja also confirmed the reported Boko Haram attacks on motorists and passengers last Sunday in Logomari villages of Gamboru- Ngala- Dikwa Council areas of the state.
He however dismissed the figure that 20 people were killed, saying only four civilians were killed and two persons injured in the process.
“In the early hours of Sunday, 20th October, 2013, Boko Haram terrorists numbering over 50 armed with AK47 rifles, and Rocket Propelled Launchers blocked the road at Gamboru -Ngala- Dikwa in Logomari village, killing four civilians and injured 2,”. the Army spokesman stated.
He added that the terrorists also set ablaze four trucks loaded with provisions, before they attacked members of the vigilante youth a.k.a Civilian JTF who were returning from a funeral and three of the youth vigilante group were killed and their vehicles set ablaze.
He stated that the vigilante youths who escaped however reinforced pursued the terrorists and destroyed their hide-out, killing many of the terrorists, while others escaped.
Danja noted that the troops of the 7 Division are however currently conducting aggressive patrols within the area to track and destroy Boko Haram elements within its area of responsibility.
