Bloody day for Boko Haram

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday, in Abuja, confirmed the killing of 14 Boko Haram insurgents and death of three soldiers in fierce gun battles between Saturday and Sunday in Northern Nigeria.

The DHQ, which gave the confirmation in its update on the mission signed by Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, also confirmed that seven soldiers were wounded, one missing, while the insurgents groups were now in disarray, looking for where to hide.

It said that the Special Forces troops had continued the advance and attacks on identified terrorists’ camps in the Northern part of the country, as well as intensified patrols to secure towns and villages from infiltration. The DHQ also stressed that curfews on identified flashpoints were being enforced. According to the statement, “dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards various borders.

Their bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in their holdings. “In the course of special forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensued since yesterday. After a mop up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead, while seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered.

A total of 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled. Altogether, three soldiers died, while seven are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing. “Meanwhile, the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in front where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday.

“Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far. The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harms way as much as possible.”