The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a large number of Boko Haram terrorists after an encounter with the insurgents between Maiduguri and Damboa towns on Borno State on Friday.
The military however noted that “a mopping operation will determine the number of terrorists who died in the encounter with troops on patrol”.
The clash followed the troops’ move to stop the terrorists who were in the process of attacking the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Engineers who were working to restore power to parts of Borno State.
“A large number of the terrorists died in the process while their IED laden Hilux vehicle was destroyed”, the army said in statement published on their website.
The troops also captured a Hilux vehicle earlier stolen by the terrorists from the Borno State Ministry of Education which they have repainted and mounted with an Ant-Aircraft Gun.
Other weapons recovered by troops include Rocket Propelled Grenades and rifles, but “two soldiers died in the encounter”.
Meanwhile, Military Engineer Troops, who have been clearing terrorists IEDs and effecting repairs on bridges, repelled an attack while working on a bridge around Husara, killing several terrorists in the encounter.
A total of 4 General Purpose Machine Guns, 3 rifles and 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher were captured from the terrorists during the encounter.
One soldier however died while 3 others were wounded in the encounter.
The army further maintained that “troops are conducting land patrol of towns including Mubi, Uba, Garkida, Muva and others in Adamawa State as the advance by coordinated air and land operations continues in areas where the counter terrorists campaign is ongoing to clear terrorists operating in the state.
