By DAPO FALADE
The troops of Operation FIRE BALL have neutralised some terrorists believed to be Boko Haram insurgents/ISWA arrested a suspected maker of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and cache of arms and ammunition.
The latest achievement of the army troops was In continuation of the aggressive clearance operation to stamp out the remnants of the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa terrorists in their identified enclaves in the North-East.
As contained in a press release issued by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, the troops of the151 Battalion deployed in Special Response Area Miyanti, acting on credible intelligence, on 11 November, 2020, embarked on fighting patrol to clear out Boko Haram elements in their hideout in the general area of Ladantar Village.
Expectedly, the gallant troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with an overwhelming fire power forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.
The press release stated that the unrelenting troops gave a hot pursuit and inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists.
“In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, two Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were neutralised and one terrorist IED expert was captured, along with one box of service tools and one gas cylinder suspected to be for making IED.
“In another development, troops of Army Super Camp 19 Bitta came under attack from an unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the heavily fortified camp.
“The eagle eyed troops who were at high alert repelled the criminals with superior fire power forcing them to withdraw in disarray as blood stains littered along their escape paths.
“Similarly, on 8 November, 2020, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison deployed in Gwoza observed Boko Haram criminals advancing to their location in four gun trucks and unconfirmed number of foot soldiers.
“The gallant troops engaged the marauding criminals with heavy fire power neutralising one suicide bomber while others flee in utmost confusion.
“Additionally, on 8 November, 2020, troops of 192 Battalion deployed in Gwoza also foiled an attempted attack on their location. After the brief encounter, the criminals escaped with gunshot wounds as traces of blood of dragged casualties were seen during exploitation.
“However, the valiant troops captured the following; one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle Cover, four rounds of Light Machine Gun, 15 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm, one AK 47 Rifle magazine, 2 rounds of Brownie Machine Gun, 7.62mm links and one dane gun, two rocket propelled grenade bombs and 66 rounds of PKT,” the release added.
The Nigerian Army High Command commended the troops of Operation FIRE BALL for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism exhibited since the beginning of the operation and equally encouraged them not to rest on their oars but build on the successes recorded so far.
The Nigerian Army also assured the people of the North-East region of its determination to finally rout the remnants of BHT/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in the zone.
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