At least two soldiers have been confirmed dead and four others suffered varying degrees of injuries during a clash with members of Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West African Province fighters and their collaborators along Damboa-Maiduguri road, Borno State.
The clash between the insurgents and military officers, under Operation Lafiya Dole under the subsidiary operation, Operation Kantana Jimlan, resulted in 17 Boko Haram members been disarmed by the officers to halt the insurgents’ plans in the country.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday by Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. John Enenche, hinted that the soldiers displayed their combat superiority against the terrorists as part of their heightened offensive operations.
Enenche, while arguing that welfare of military officers was often treated with utmost urgency, stated that the affected military officers have been evacuated to a medical facility and that they were currently responding positively to treatment.
“The troops of 25 Task Force Brigade deployed at Damboa in conjunction with elements of Sector 2 Special Forces while on clearance operations along Damboa -Maiduguri Road, yesterday, made contact with a Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals’ ambush team along their axis of advance.
“Instinctively, the valiant troops outflanked and engaged the criminals with an overwhelming volume of firepower forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
“In the aftermath of the encounter, 17 Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals were neutralized as several others were believed to have narrowly escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds while a cache of arms and ammunition were equally captured by the gallant troops. Regrettably, 2 valiant soldiers paid the supreme price while four others were wounded in action”, he added.
The spokesman hinted that the Commander of the operation has been directed to deploy a Special Forces Battalion to reinforce and dominate Damboa – Bulabulin – Maiduguri axis in order to completely deny the terrorists any chance of escape during this final assault against them.
“Members of the general public particularly residents of the area are also requested to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue with their routine activities as all necessary measures have been put in by the Theatre Command to ensure all routes are safe for commuting without fear of attack by the criminals”.
