NO fewer than 50 insurgents were killed over the weekend as out-of-control Boko Haram militants clashed with troops.
The troops overpowered the rampaging insurgents and repelled them from raiding Bita, a village in Borno State.
As the troops counted their gains, reports came that Senate President Bukola Saraki and some senators plan to visit some of the battle fronts in Borno State today.
A military clearance was being finalised for the trip as at the time of filing this report.
A top military source, who gave confidential information said: “We are closing in on the insurgents; we are carrying the battle to them this time around.
“Though we have not included casualty figure in our release but our records have shown that 50 insurgents fell during encounters with troops.”
A combined effort by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and ground troops repelled the latest Boko Haram on Bita, as the sect continued its onslaught on communities in Borno State.
The NAF said its fighter jets successfully scuttled a planned raid by the sect on the community.
NAF Headquarters’ spokesman Air Commodore Dele Alonge made the confirmation in a statement issued yesterday.
He said a large number of insurgents were killed in the operation, carried out by troops in the area.
Air Commodore Alonge said the NAF will continue to provide aerial support to the ground force in all operations carried out by troops in the troubled Northeast.
The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force using its Alpha-Jet, provided combat air support to the ground force to attack the insurgents where they were observed to be mopping up to carry out a deadly attack on the village.
“Consequently, a large number of the insurgents were killed and several others, injured.”
Air Commodore Alonge also said the NAF Alpha-Jet conducted an armed reconnaissance along Bita to Gwoza road, and through Yamtege, Hamdaga, Dure and Pulka.
According to him, NAF will continue to give all necessary support to the ground force, through its intensified and persistent efforts in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.
He said the momentum will be sustained in the ongoing operations against the terrorists until all portions of Nigeria’s territory have been reclaimed, safe and free from the insurgents.
The new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadeeq Abubakar, has pledged to improve NAF’s fire power in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.
Meanwhile, logistic arrangements were being made last night for today’s visit of the Dr. Saraki and some of his colleagues in the Senate to the battle fronts.
It was, however, learnt that the trip will be “strictly guided by security operatives.”
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The military clearance and the scope of the trip are being worked out.
“The Senate delegation wants to have first-hand information of the situation at the battle fronts. The delegation will identify with troops and those who are internally displaced.”
