Troops, ISWAP terrorists killed in Borno firefight
Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion 7, in collaboration with the 8 Division Strike Team under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA,
Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion 7, in collaboration with the 8 Division Strike Team under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, yesterday killed three notorious Lakurawa terrorists during an offensive at Kadam Forest in Sokoto.
The operation followed credible intelligence that over 100 terrorists, linked to the Lakurawa extremist group, had gathered deep within Kadam Forest to plan attacks on local communities and transport kidnapped victims to their hideouts.
On the strength of the intelligence, the troops were said to have mobilised around 12pm and intercepted the criminals’ movement, which led to a gun battle.
According to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the terrorists attempted a rear-flanking manoeuvre but met superior firepower from the troops who maintained tactical dominance and neutralised immediate threat.
“Exploitation operations into the forest confirmed the neutralisation of three terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during their escape.
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“Security forces recovered one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 350 rounds of PKT ammunition, 111 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, three magazines, two radios, three motorcycles, and a mobile phone.
Follow-up operations are ongoing to ascertain additional enemy casualties and recover further arms and equipment,” Zagazola added.
Praising the troops, Force Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said aggressive patrols and sustained operations would continue to prevent fleeing terrorists from regrouping and launching further attacks on communities and transport routes.
In Borno State, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI repelled multiple coordinated attacks launched by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on military locations in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, Mainok and troops harbour position deep in the Sambisa Forest, the military said.
Spokesperson of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.- Col Sani Uba explained this in a statement yesterday.
He said the attacks occurred between Sunday night and the wee-hours of yesterday, adding that they were launched simultaneously from several directions in an apparent attempt to overwhelm troops’ positions.
