Troops Repel Terrorist Attacks in Borno, Sokoto, Kill 11, Recover Arms
Nigerian troops have recorded major counter-terrorism successes in Borno and Sokoto states, killing 11 terrorists and recovering a cache of arms and equipment in separate operations aimed at thwarting planned attacks on civilians.
In Borno State, troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, repelled a coordinated ambush by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters during ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V/Siege Operations.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday when troops of Sector 1, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, came under attack by terrorists who had laid a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) and opened fire with small arms.
“The troops, who were on high alert, responded with heavy volume of fire and successfully repelled the ambush,” a source said.
The attack was followed by the detonation of the IED, but the swift response of the troops forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray, with several of them killed and others sustaining gunshot wounds.
A reinforcement team from Ngoshe was deployed to block the terrorists’ withdrawal routes along the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, successfully ambushing the retreating fighters. Troops also mounted a hot pursuit, exploiting the general area and recovering bodies and equipment.
According to the source, 10 terrorists were neutralized during the encounter, including two senior commanders identified as Basulhu and his second-in-command, Ubaida.
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Items recovered include three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, 197 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one RPG charger, two detonating cords, 13 nine-volt batteries, an iron bar, a bandolier, and a camel bag.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, combined troops of the 8 Division Garrison Strike Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) neutralized a terrorist cell in a separate intelligence-led operation.
Sources said the terrorists were intercepted while traveling on motorcycles from a nearby forest toward Gundumi Village in Isa Local Government Area, where they were reportedly planning to attack civilians.
Acting on weeks of surveillance and credible intelligence, troops tactically positioned themselves near the village and engaged the group, killing one terrorist while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Troops have since intensified patrols and maintained a strong security presence in both areas to prevent further threats.
“This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the security forces to protecting lives and property and reinforcing public confidence in their ability to combat terrorism and maintain peace,” a source said.
The general security situation in the affected areas remains calm but fluid, with troops on maximum alert.
By PRNigeria
