Twenty killed as troops repel another attack in Borno village

…gun trucks, anti-aircraft guns recovered

No fewer than twenty Boko Haram terrorists were killed by troops in what could have been another deadly attack at Askira Uba in Borno State, barely two weeks after the insurgents slaughtered over 43 rice farmers in the state.

The heavily armed insurgents were promptly repelled by troops of 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, resulting in heavy casualties on the side of the terrorists.

Four gun trucks were captured by troops, apart from other ones that were destroyed by airstrikes conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole.

However, one soldier was killed, while two others were wounded in the attack.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations 7 Division Maiduguri, Colonel Ado Isa, the terrorists suspected to have come from the Sambisa forest, mounted on over 15 gun trucks and approached the town from different directions simultaneously.

According to the statement, “on the 12th of December 2020, gallant troops of 28 Task Force Brigade of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) that attempted to attack Askira Uba in Borno State.

“The terrorists were suspected to have come from Sambisa Forest, mounted on over 15 gun trucks and approached the town from different directions simultaneously. Troops responded and engaged the criminals with superior firepower.”

It added that, “consequently, the terrorists suffered huge losses both in men, materials and equipment. Specifically, the troops captured 4 gun trucks from the criminals while some additional gun trucks were also destroyed by the Air Task Force that responded swiftly.

“Scores of the terrorists were killed and over 20 terrorists’ dead bodies were counted. Additionally, 3 boxer motorcycles, 3 Anti Aircraft Guns, 2 PKT Machine Guns, 10 AK 47 Rifles and 13 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bombs, as well as a large cache of ammunition and other weapons, were captured from the terrorists among others.

“Unfortunately, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice and two others were wounded during the encounter and are stable/responding to treatment. May God grant repose to the soul of the dead soldier and quick recovery to the two Wounded in Action Soldiers.

“Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai will continue to sustain the aggressive, offensive posture to rid the entire North East of remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals, rapists and marauders.”