The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, on Wednesday said a set of fleeing insurgents from Sambisa Forest had an encounter with the troops in Gwoza. The insurgents were said to be on the run, due to aerial bombardment by the fighter pilots of the Nigerian Air Force.
Col. Usman said the insurgents were fleeing in seven pick-up vans with motorcycles fully loaded with assorted weapons, such as rocket propelled grenades and anti-aircraft guns, when they ran into the encounter with the troops in Gwoza.
Usman, did not state the exact number of Boko Haram insurgents killed in the operation. He rather said the troops destroyed the vehicles and weapons and also recovered some items from them.
In his statement he said, the items recovered include a vehicle, one motorcycle, two AK 47 riffles and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO and 12.7mm ammunition.
He stated further that the troops were carrying out aggressive offensive and and increased patrol in the area.
He said, “Troops of 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, Borno State, yesterday evening engaged Boko Haram terrorists fleeing Sambisa Forest following continued aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force.
“The fleeing terrorists in seven Pick up vans and some motorcycles mounted with assorted weapons such as Rocket Propelled Grenades and Anti-Aircrtaft Guns were decisively dealt with, killing quite a number of them.
“The troops also destroyed their vehicles, weapons and motorcycles. They also recovered a vehicle, 1 motorcycle and 2 AK47 riffles and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO and 12.7mm ammunitions. The troops have intensified their patrols and offensive against the terrorists in the area.”
