The Nigerian Army has said its troops foiled an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to attack the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Tuesday, killing nine attackers in the process.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Brigadier-General Mohamamed Yerima, Director of Army Public Relations, on Wednesday.
According to the army, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, Youth Vigilante and hunters chased the terrorists, forcing the attackers to withdraw.
It added that it recovered scores of ammunition, as well as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The statement read: “The terrorists who tried to advance from Aldawari axis attempted to attack soft targets along Jiddari Polo, were countered by combined gallant troops in conjuction with the Nigerian Police, Youth Vigilante and hunters leading to terrorists withdrawal in disarray.
“Following a hot pursuit by troops, heavy casualty was inflicted on the terrorists as nine of them were neutralized while many escaped with gunshot wounds. One Buffalo Gun Truck, three motorcycles, three Browning Machine Guns, a Rocket Propelled Gun and four AK 47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists. Other items recovered include one Improvised Explosive Device, sixteen 12V batteries among other items.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru has commended the gallantry of troops and urged them to keep up the tempo of the operation.”
The army urged all Nigerians to remain calm, assuring them that the military service will guarantee their security and safety through the Eid-el-Fitr holiday and beyond.
