Troops kill scores in battle against insurgents

 Duku Joel, Damaturu

NO fewer than 105 Boko Haram insurgents were killed by troops in a fierce battle at Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on Saturday night, the army said.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement, said the feat was facilitated by credible intelligence on the insurgents’ plan  to attack Buni Gari community.

The operation, according to Col. Sagir, was carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole led by Brig. Gen. Lawrence Araba.

The statement also said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai hailed the troops for the success of the operation against the enemy.

Burutai visited and lifted the spirits of wounded soldiers at the Field Ambulance Logistics Base III Damaturu and the Special Forces School, Buni Yadi on Sunday.

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“Gen Burutai visited two officers that were wounded in action during the Buni Gari encounter and other soldiers already on admission at the medical facility in Damaturu before proceeding to the Special Forces’ School in Buni Yadi where he and his entourage were briefed by the Commander, Sector 2 OPLD, Brig Gen  Lawrence Araba,” the statement said.

Briefing the Chief of Army Staff,  Brig Gen Araba informed him that the recent success was as a result of intelligence report which revealed plans by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to attack the village.

“Based on intelligence received about the plan by the terrorists to attack Buni Gari, our troops swiftly intercepted and engaged the criminals in a fierce battle that led to the killing of 105 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists as well as the capture of several arms and ammunition from the criminals.