The Nigerian Army says Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) troops have eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists, who attacked its base at Mainok in Borno.

The terrorists’ attacked occurred on Sunday.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Yerima stated that the troops had on Sunday came under “multi-directional” attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists mounted on unconfirmed numbers of gun trucks and foot soldiers with the possible intent of establishing a “phantom” caliphate in the town.

He added that the “gallant” troops of 156 Task Force Battalion repelled the insurgents until the arrival of reinforcement teams from 7 Division, Special Army Super Camp Ngamdu, and Army Super Camp 4, Benesheik.

According to him, during the firefight that lasted several hours, the troops tactically lured many terrorists into a killing zone within their camp where the Air Task Force of OPLD scrambled Alpha jets, and helicopter gunship took turns decimating already trapped terrorists.

“In the aftermath of the encounter, scores of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised with their body parts littering the area and a number of their gun trucks destroyed.

“Regrettably, one gallant officer and six soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while five other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries,” said the army.

It added, “The wounded soldiers have already been evacuated to the military medical facility for treatment.

“Currently, troops are in full control of Mainok and environ as exploitation for fleeing terrorists is ongoing.”

Mr Yerima noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, commended the troops for their resilience, commitment, and doggedness.

He said Mr Attahiru had further reassured Nigerians of the army’s unalloyed commitment to defeating Boko Haram/SWAP terrorists.

“He also urged citizens to always avail the troops with accurate and timely information for prompt action,” added the army spokesman.

(NAN)