The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole on Wednesday made contacts with ‘fleeing Boko Haram terrorists during a clear out operation at Dulsa and Buk, Damboa local government area of Borno state.
The soldiers from 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army recovered Armoured Fighting vehicle, trucks, arms and ammunition. However, three soldiers died while five were wounded in the operation.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Sanni Usman told The Nation that a large number of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised in the operation.
Usman said: “At Dulsa this morning, the troops cleared the hideout of the terrorists during which they neutralised six Boko Haram terrorists, recovered 1 Light Machine Gun, 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tubes and 1 Extra Anti-Aircraft Gun Barrel.
“The troops also encountered Boko Haram terrorists camp at Buk where they were engaged by the terrorists.”During the encounter, the troops.
“During the encounter, the troops neutralised large numbers of the Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others. They also made an unprecedented recovery.
“The items recovered include 9 AK-47 rifles, 3 Fabrique Nationale rifles, 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 1 Mortar Tube, 1 Shilka, 1 Gun truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun and 2 Hilux vehicles.
“Unfortunately, however, 3 soldiers paid the supreme price, while 5 others were wounded in action. Similarly, 1 Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected vehicle belonging to the Brigade was badly damaged.”
The Army spokesman said the bodies of the late soldiers and those that sustained injuries have since been evacuated while the wounded soldiers are in stable condition.