The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • Troops kill five, capture Boko Haram commander in Borno

    Troops kill five, capture Boko Haram commander in Borno

    Troops in Borno killed five Boko Haram insurgents and captured a top commander of the group in the ongoing operation in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad basin.

    Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of Operation Lafiya Dole, in a statement in Maiduguri, said troops also rescued three civilians, recovered vehicles and high calibre ammunition in various operations in the past two days.

    Nwachukwu said on Thursday, the troops engaged and neutralised a number of fleeing insurgents while attempting to escape the military blocking position in one of the cleared enclaves ‘Sabil-Huda’, deep in Sambisa Forest.

    He said that the troops also recovered one G-III rifle magazine, one life jacket, a light Machine Gun metal link, four rounds of Anti-Aircraft ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

    “Unfortunately, two soldiers were injured in the process; they had been evacuated by the Nigerian Air Force and are responding to treatment,” he said.

    Read Also: Troops commence road construction in Sambisa Forest

    Nwachukwu said that the troops on Friday launched offensive targeting a terrorist’s hideouts up ‘CAMP ZAIRO’, and neutralized a number of insurgents in spite of initial damaged caused to their Armoured Fighting Vehicle by Improvise Explosive Device (IED) planted beneath the ground.

    He said that the troops killed five insurgents; several others wounded and recovered ammunition at a hideout in Parisu, Sambisa Forest.

    Nwachukwu disclosed that troops of 151 Battalion in conjunction with “7 Division Support Group’ had also cleared nine terrorists’ hideouts along Frigi-Izza area.

    The director added that the troops also recovered one motorcycle, two bicycles, 10 bicycle tyres, one bicycle, three Boko Haram flags, a solar panel, five drums filled with grain, two mattresses, two grinding machines, three bags of metal scraps, two motorcycle tyres and two underground grain silos.

    Also recovered are one AK-47 Rifle Magazine, 1 dummy rifle, a round of 12.7mm ammunition, 12 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, assorted IED materials and a tool box.

    According to him, the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE provided air cover for the land troops in the conduct of the operations.

  • Troops bring back 50 girls abducted by Boko Haram

    Troops bring back 50 girls abducted by Boko Haram

    Troops last night rescued Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi, Yobe State, pupils who were reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram.

    The school was attacked on Monday night by the terrorists, who took away some of the girls. The state government put the figure of the girls that were missing at 50.

    A statement last night by Abdullahi Bego, Spokesman to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, said:  “The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them.

    “The rescued girls are now in the custody of the   Nigerian Army.

    “We will provide more details about their number and condition in due course.

    “Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who is very grateful for the gallantry and hard work of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army involved in the operation, is monitoring the situation closely and will make a statement in due course.”

    President Muhammadu Buhari directed security agencies to take immediate charge of the situation in Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State where 50 pupils are missing following  Monday’s attack by Boko Haram terrorists.

    Dapchi is 100 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. It is 75 kilometres south of the Nigerian border with Niger Republic.

    Minister of Information Lai Mohammed told reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that the President also directed the Minister to Defence Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, and himself to proceed to Yobe State today on a fact-finding mission.

    He said: “Mr. President has directed military and other security agencies to take immediate charge and control of Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, and inform him of developments.

    The Yobe State Government, in an initial  statement by Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s spokesman  Abdullahi Bego, said: “Following the incursion of suspected Boko Haram terrorists into Dapchi, headquarters of Bursari Local Government Council and the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) there, the Yobe State Government is working with the Nigerian Army and other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that all students in the school are fully accounted for.

    “As the public is aware, the students were helped by their teachers to escape through the night to the surrounding bush and villages as the terrorists stormed the town last Monday.

    “Out of the 926 students in the school, over 50 are still unaccounted for as of the time of this statement. However, the Yobe State Government has continued to receive information about some of the girls being found in the general area to which they escaped.

    “The state government is coordinating with the army and law enforcement to ensure that those girls are returned safely.

    “The Yobe State Government has no credible information yet as to whether any of the schoolgirls was taken hostage by the terrorists.

    “His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is deeply saddened and outraged by the unfortunate event and has directed that all relevant personnel and agencies work closely with the army and other security organisations to address the situation.

    “The Yobe State Government assures parents and the school community that it will do everything necessary to ensure that all the missing girls are found and returned to their school and families and that security is improved in the area.”

  • Air Force deploys troops in Niger

    Air Force deploys troops in Niger

    •To open quick response commands in Nasarawa, Taraba

    The Air Force said yesterday that troops had been deployed in support of Operation Karamin Goro in Niger State.

    Operation Karamin Goro is targeted at bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers.

    A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, said the one-month joint operation with the Army was at the behest of the state government.

    The statement reads: “As part of efforts to curb kidnapping, armed banditry, cattle rustling and other forms of criminalities in Niger State, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has contributed a substantial number of troops to the ongoing Joint Operation codenamed Operation Karamin Goro.

    “The operation started on January 18, and is part of efforts by the Niger State government to enhance security of life and properties.

    “The NAF, as part of its statutory responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, has been involved in various internal security operations across the country. These include the fight against insurgency in the Northeast, cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed banditry in the Northwest, militancy in the South-South and pipeline vandalism in the Southeast.

    “Only recently, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, announced the establishment of additional Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) in Taraba and the Benue/Nasarawa border, as part of plans to further tackle the incessant herdsmen-farmers clash.

    “Operation Karamin Goro could end today unless the situation demands otherwise.”

    Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar has said the Air Force will establish Quick Response Commands in Nasarawa and Taraba to checkmate rising security threat on the Benue/Nasarawa border and parts of Taraba State.

    Abubakar spoke yesterday in Lafia when he led a delegation to Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura.

    According to him, the commands will comprise 150 Special Forces, who will graduate from a special training on Friday.

    He said: “Immediately they graduate, they will be deployed in Nasarawa State. The idea is for us to create an enabling environment for people to pursue their legitimate aspiration without any fear.”

    Al-Makura thanked the Air chief for the initiative, especially at the time of security challenges following implementation of the anti-grazing law.

    His words: “There could not be better time to deploy your initiative to this corridor than this time, and we have seen the result in the Air Force as you have done with your other colleagues in the military.”

    Al-Makura assured Abubakar of the state’s readiness to partner the Air Force to ensure the initiative succeeds.

  • Buratai to troops: get Shekau dead or alive

    Buratai to troops: get Shekau dead or alive

    Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has restated his order to troops to capture Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau doed or alive.

    Gen. Buratai spoke at Camp Zairo, the former command and control centre of the terrorists in the Sambisa forest during an operational visit to troops.

    In 2017, the army chief gave troops a 40-day ultimatum to capture Shekau. The army last week offered a N3 million reward for information on the terrorist.

    Troops destroyed the camp in January in an operation tagged “Deep Punch II’’ and are now dominating the general area of the forest.

    The military sacked Shekau from the camp in December, 2016 but the terrorists have been launching pockets of attacks.

    Other locations visited by Gen. Buratai are Bita and Tukumbere, all settlements within the forest but almost deserted due to the insurgency.

    “Let me say congratulations. But, we must move across to wherever this criminal, Shekau is and catch him red handed. I want you to get him.

    “Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces says ‘congratulations’ to all of you for recovering the Sambisa Forest.

    “As far as we are concerned, we have come to the end of this operation (clearing the forest of remnants of terrorists).

    “What is remaining now is the Lake Chad waters only and we hope to do that (clear terrorists from it) also very soon.

    “You all know these criminals are still on the run; these guys are on the run, you must make sure that you get them wherever they are around this area.

    “You must not allow them to escape. Everyday, you must go on patrol, lay ambush for them and you go on raids.

    “This is the time we have to consolidate and ensure that this place – Sambisa forest – is safe and never for these criminals to come back to it,’’ Gen. Buratai told the troops.

    The Chief of Army Staff said that he was in Sambisa and Camp Zairo to confirm their capture, destruction and domination by the gallant troops.

    “We are going to transform this place, apart from making it a training area.

    “We are going to have a modern defence establishment in terms of the provision of basic requirements for your comfort and indeed for your operations.

    “We are already making sure that the first set of facilities are brought here,’’ the army chief said.

    Gen. Buratai promised the troops a special package to boost their morale.

    “We are going to have some special packages for all of you that penetrated this forest.

    “We will make sure that your morale is high by making the necessary provision for you to be comfortable,’’ he added.

    On rotation of troops, the army chief said that plans were on to rotate those who had stayed long in the theatre of operation.

    “This is in our plan. I know that some of you were inducted here right from the depot but we are doing something for you to be properly deployed and properly accommodated as well.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that 3,000 troops would be inducted into the Operation Lafiya Dole this week, to replace those who had stayed long.

    Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole,, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, said with the capture of camp Zairo “the soul and mind of Boko Haram have been broken in Sambisa forest”.

    “They don’t have a place to hide. We are still going round to make sure that some of them that are hiding in holes, we intend to fish them out,’’ Nicholas said.

    He said that on assumption of duty in 2017, the chief of army staff tasked him to capture Camp Zairo and clear Boko Haram from the Sambisa forest.

    “Troops have finally cleared the forest of remnants and we are presently occupying camp Zairo as well as all the little settlements and camps within the forest.’’

    Staff Sgt. Dauda Mohammed, one of the troops who participated in the operations that finally destroyed Camp Zairo and clear the forest of remnants of terrorists, attributed their success to the Almighty God.

  • Troops rescue 46, destroy Boko Haram camp in Sambisa

    Troops rescue 46, destroy Boko Haram camp in Sambisa

    Troops of Operation Deep Punch II rescued 46 captives and destroyed a highly fortified Boko Haram camp inside Sambisa forest as part of its ongoing clearance operation, it was learnt yesterday.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, said this in a statement yesterday.

    Col. Nwachukwu said the troops penetrated into the forest and cleared all known insurgents’ enclaves, including a fortified ‘Sabil Huda’ camp.

    The troops neutralised several insurgents, destroyed various makeshift accommodation and recovered high calibre ammunition.

    The statement reads: “On Monday, February 12, the troops dislodged Boko Haram terrorists from one of their highly fortified hideouts in Sambisa forest, close to Sabil Huda, believed to be one of their prized hideouts.

    “During the offensive supported by the Air Force, the resilient troops neutralised some terrorists and captured major ornaments, including two Spartan Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), a truck and a laptop.

    “The gallant troops also destroyed eight gun trucks; several tents; rescued 19 women and 27 children from the enclave.”

    The Army has said the Boko Haram factional leader, Abubakar Shekau, is now on the run and disguised as a woman.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said intelligence reports gathered from those arrested shows that Shekau now alternates between blue and black coloured hijabs to avoid detection.

    Gen. Usman, in a statement yesterday said a successful clearance of the insurgent remnants through Operation Deep Punch II in Sambisa Forest has turned the heat on Shekau, forcing him to abandon his followers.

    He urged residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States to be on the lookout for Shekau while efforts are on to track him.

    The statement reads: “Efforts of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, in the ongoing clearance of the Boko Haram terrorists through Operation Deep Punch II, has been yielding results.

    Read Also: Troops kill seven terrorists in Sambisa

    “Troops have successfully cleared Boko Haram camps in Sambisa forest, including Camp Zairo. They have also rescued civilians held hostage, recovered arms and ammunition.

    “Consequently, the terrorists are in disarray and scampering for safety while others are surrendering.

    “Credible information from arrested and surrendered insurgents indicated that the purported Boko Haram terrorists’ group factional leader, Abubakar Shekau, could not bear the heat anymore and so abandoned his followers. He is running for his dear life.

    “He is desperately trying to escape the theatre disguised as a woman dressed in Hijab. We reliably gathered that to avoid detection, Shekau alternates between blue and black hijabs. He was last seen in a black hijab.

    “We, therefore, call on remaining terrorists to know that they are following a coward moving about in hijab disguised as a woman. We also request other insurgents to come out from hiding and lay down their arms and be treated humanely.”

  • Troops commence road construction in Sambisa Forest

    Troops commence road construction in Sambisa Forest

    Troops have started building a major highway to open up Sambisa Forest, the fortress of the Boko Haram insurgents, following the defeat  of the terrorists.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, said in Maduguri yesterday that the road project was to make troops to establish total dominance of the expansive forest that has been home to the insurgents for years.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the military authorities have been making repeated claims that the nine-year insurgency has been finally crushed.

    However, Boko Haram has repeatedly been packing bloody punches in communities in the northeast, the hotbed of the insurgency.

    Boko Haram, which has been fighting to enforce a strict Islamic code in Nigeria, has killed thousands, destroying the economy of the northeast and displacing millions of people.

    Nicholas, who spoke through the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, said that the road would also link adjourning communities and deny the insurgents safe heaven.

    Inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of Gwoza-Yamteke-Bita Road in Borno, Nicholas said that officers and men of the Military Engineer Corps had started rebuilding roads and bridges, destroyed by the insurgents.

    He said that the project was also aimed at encouraging the growth of social and economic activities as well as improving the wellbeing of rural dwellers.

    “Successful completion of the road will facilitate troops’ domination of the insurgents tactical ground: ‘Camp Zero’ and its environs. It will also encourage the return of life to the communities.”

    The commander solicited the support of Nigerians, especially those residing in the northeast, to fast-track the defeat of the terrorists.

    NAN recalls that the military had in January commenced rehabilitation of some highways, including the Gwoza-Yamtake-Bita-Tokumbere-Sambisa and Gwoza-Yamtake-Bita roads.

    The rebuilding of the highways is part of plans by the Federal Government to make the dreaded Sambisa Forest habitable and conducive for military training.

  • Troops building road in Sambisa Forest

    Troops building road in Sambisa Forest

    Troops are building a major highway to open up Sambisa Forest, the fortress of the Boko Haram insurgents, following the defeat of the terrorists.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, said yesterday that the road would help troops dominate the expansive forest.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the military authorities have been making repeated claims that the nine-year insurgency crisis has been finally crushed.

    But the sect has repeatedly been packing bloody punches in communities in the northeast.

    Boko Haram, which has been fighting to enforce a strict Islamic code in Nigeria, has killed thousands, destroyed the economy of the Northeast, and displaced millions.

    Gen. Nicholas, who spoke through the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, said the road would also link adjourning communities and deny the insurgents safe heaven.

    While inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of Gwoza-Yamteke-Bita Road in Borno, the commander said officers and men of the Military Engineering Corps had started rebuilding roads and bridges destroyed by the insurgents.

    He said: “Successful completion of the road will facilitate troops’ domination of the insurgents tactical ground – ‘Camp Zero’ and its environs. It will also encourage the return of life to the communities.”

    Gen. Nicholas solicited the support of Nigerians, especially those residing in the Northeast, to hasten the defeat of the terrorists.

    The military in January began rehabilitating some highways, including the Gwoza-Yamtake-Bita-Tokumbere-Sambisa and Gwoza-Yamtake-Bita roads.

    The Borno State government has rebuilt over 50,000 houses, clinics, classrooms, water points, police stations and other public structures destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the last two years, it was learnt yesterday.

    The Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Prof. Babagana Umara, stated this at a town hall meeting in Maiduguri.

    Umara said the projects were executed in liberated communities in 16 local government areas, under its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) programme, and were designed to fast track rehabilitation and resettlement of persons displaced by the insurgency.

    He said: “For us to achieve maximum security, the military operation must be accompanied by stabilisation and intelligence.

    “The Borno State government has so far started reconstruction projects in 16 local government areas; basic amenities like water, health and education were being provided by the government. About 26 mega schools are under construction to cater for the increasing number of orphans.

    “In Bama council, the government rebuilt over 11,000 homes; and in Mobbar, Damasak, over 6, 000 homes were also rebuilt.

    “Other councils – Gwoza, Chibok and Damboa, among others, have received similar attention.”

    The commissioner hinted that the government had successfully resettled displaced persons at Konduga, Dikwa, Mafa, Gwoza, Mobbar, Askira, Ngala, Kukawa, Monguno and Damboa, among others.

  • Troops kill seven terrorists in Sambisa

    Troops kill seven terrorists in Sambisa

    The Nigerian Army has announced that remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in the Sambisa general area have been neutralised following a decisive operations by ground troops against the terrorists.

    The Nigerian Army spokesperson, Brigadier-General Sani Usman, said seven of the terrorists were killed in the operation, while a number of them escaped with gunshot wounds.

    General Usman said in a statement issued in Abuja that two soldiers were wounded during encounter.

    He added that the wounded soldiers have been evacuated by the Air Force and receiving medical treatment in a military hospital.

    The statement reads: “Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE involved in Operation DEEP PUNCH II have continued to deal decisively with remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in Sambisa forest and other parts of Northern Borno State with tremendous successes.

    “On Friday 26th January 2018 afternoon, the troops with effective support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), had contact with the terrorists while advancing into Sambisa forest. During the encounter and further exploitation, the troops destroyed Boko Haram terrorists equipment, make-shift accommodation around Camp Zairo, Improvised Explosives Device (IEDs), Booby traps, other delaying obstacles and devices.

    “The troops also neutralized 7 Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others. In addition,  the gallant troops recovered 1 Gun truck, 1 Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Machine Gun, a Pistol, large quantity of Anti-Aircraft Gun ammunition, a 120mm Mortar Base Plate and a Dane Gun.

    “Similarly, the troops destroyed 11 Boko Haram terrorists Gun trucks, 12 Hilux vehicles, 3 Canter trucks 2 Double Barrel Rifles, 30 Bicycles, Power generating sets, cylinders, printers, military kits and IED making workshop.

    “Unfortunately, 2 soldiers were wounded during the encounter. The wounded soldiers have since been evacuated by Nigerian Air Force and are responding to treatment.

    “Impressed with the unprecedented performance, the Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General IM Yusuf, has visited the troops harbour location.

    “He conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s and Theatre Commander’s commendations to the troops for the wonderful job of annihilating the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists inside Sambisa forest and encouraged them to sustain the tempo of the offensive until they have eliminated all the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hibernating.

    “The GOC who was flown by Nigerian Air Force, was accompanied by the Commander 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier-General IM Obot, and had meeting with the various field commanders.

    “The success recorded has buoyed up troops morale who expressed enthusiasm in sustaining onslaught against the terrorists.

    “The people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states are requested to report any fleeing Boko Haram terrorist seen around their communities. They should also look out for the wounded terrorists and report to the nearest military or Nigeria Police Force location.”

  • Troops rescue Chibok girl Solomi Pagu

    Troops rescue Chibok girl Solomi Pagu

    Another Chibok schoolgirl has been rescued in Borno State by troops.

    Two batches of 21 and 82 girls have been freed as a result of the Federal Government’s negotiations with the Boko Haram terrorist group.

    Three were rescued by troops bringing the number of freed Chibok girls so far to 106.

    The girls – 218 of them – were abducted from their hostel at the Chibok Girls Secondary School in Borno State in April, 2014.

    Salomi Pagu was rescued yesterday along with another girl in Pulka, Borno State.

    The Deputy Director, Public Relations, of the Army’s Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu,  in a statement in Maiduguri said:

    ”Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Pulka today rescued one of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists earlier in 2014.

    “So far, preliminary investigations reveal that the young girl identified as Salomi Pagu is the same as the Chibok girl published on serial 86 of the online list of abducted Chibok girls.

    “Currently the girl who was intercepted in the company of another young girl, Jamila Adams, about 14 years old with a child are in the safe custody of troops and receiving medical attention”.

    Members of the #BringBackOurGirls (#BBOG) confirmed that the rescued girl’s status as an abducted Chibok schoolgirl. It gave miss Pagu’s number on the list of the girls as Number 15.

    Col. Nwachukwu said the Chibok girl was found in the company of a 14-year old girl and her baby.

    Spokesperson for the #BBOG Sesugh Akume, in a statement, said: “The Military Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole has announced that Nigerian troops of the operation in Pulka today rescued one of our 113 missing Chibok girls, Solomi Pagu, along with another young girl of about 14 years old, Jamila Adams, who is with a child. All of them are said to be in the safe custody of the troops and receiving medical attention.

    “Our movement is delighted to confirm this news to be true. Salomi Pagu is a daughter of Mallam Pagu Yahi from Kaumutahyahi, a village in Kuburmbula ward of Chibok LGA. Both her parents are currently IDPs in Rumirgo Village, in nearby Askira/Uba LGA in Borno State.

    “She is Number 15 on the publicly known list of missing #ChibokGirls, NOT Number 86, as the statement by the military said. This brings the number of our missing #ChibokGirls to 112.

    “We are yet to ascertain further details about Jamila Adams and the baby.”

  • Troops kill three rustlers in Borno

    Troops kill three rustlers in Borno

    •Recover 200 cows 

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State have killed three Boko Haram insurgents and recovered over 200 cows.

    Director of Army Public Relations Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman said assorted weapons were also recovered.

    A statement by Gen. Usman said: “Troops of 21 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole, in conjunction with elements of 121 Battalion, on Friday, December 22, laid an ambush for Boko Haram terrorists at a suspected crossing point near Firgi, Bama Local Government Area, of Borno State.

    “The troops neutralised one of the terrorists suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert, while others escaped with injuries. The troops recovered a gas cylinder suspected to be for IED, two water bottles and a motorcycle.

    “In another development, troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade, on Operation Lafiya Dole, on December 23, following a report that suspected terrorists had rustled over 200 cows at Makandari Village in Kala Balge council, mobilised a fighting patrol which pursued the terrorists to Beneri village.

    “The team engaged the terrorists and neutralised two of them. One AK-47 rifle, an empty Magazine, two motorcycles and a National Identity Card were recovered. The cows were also recovered and returned to the rightful owners”.

    The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. R.I Nicholas, has explained how soldiers repelled Boko Haram attacks at Molai on Christmas day.

    Gen. Nicholas, in a statement, said: “This evening (Monday), Boko Haram insurgents came with Person Borne Improvised Explosives Devices (PIED) gun trucks to steal foodstuff and attack troops around Molai area, outskirts of Maiduguri.

    “They, however, met stiff resistance from troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, who repelled them and secured the community.

    “The troops did not record any death and normalcy has since been restored. Unfortunately, during their retreat, they burnt two vehicles and some thatched houses.

    “Both ground troops and the Air Force are in hot pursuit and interdicting the fleeing terrorists.”