Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has said its soldiers on counter-insurgency operations in the North East have killed scores of terrorists who attempted to attack one of its locations in Madagali, Adamawa State.
The terrorists, who stormed the location of 143 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, deployed in the area with gun trucks, were said to have met stiff resistance from the soldiers who killed several of them and captured one alive.
The deputy director, Army Public Relations, Col. Ado Isa, who made this known in a statement, said the soldiers also recovered five AK-47 rifles, four magazines, one hand-held grenade, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 45 rounds of anti-aircraft gun ammunition. Also recovered were two mobile phones and one camcorder from the insurgents.
He, however, said that one soldier and one civilian lost their lives during the encounter.
Ado’s statement said: “Troops of 143 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, deployed in Madagali, Adamawa State, had on Saturday, February 9, 2019, successfully dealt a big blow to Boko Haram terrorists, following an attempted attack by the terrorists to infiltrate the camp at about 1803 hours.
“The terrorists stormed the location in gun trucks and met their Waterloo through stiff resistance, coupled with massive firepower from the troops, who inflicted serious casualty on them and their equipment. The troops successfully held their ground, disorganised the terrorists, who later lost momentum and retreated in disarray.
“During the encounter, the resilient troops neutralised many insurgents, captured one alive, while several others scampered for their lives and fled with gunshot wounds. The gallant troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, four magazines, one hand-held grenade, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 45 rounds of anti-aircraft gun ammunition. Also recovered were two mobile phones and one Sony camcorder camera.
“Sadly, one soldier and a civilian paid the supreme sacrifice, while five others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. The Acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, while commending their doggedness and gallantry, also commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes with firm assurance that their sacrifices will not be in vain.”