The Nigerian Army says Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) troops killed 21 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the border town of Geidam, Yobe.

The killing occurred on Friday.

The army’s spokesman Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, disclosed that troops also recovered a gun truck and other weapons from the terrorists.

According to him, the troops currently conducting ‘Operation Tura Takaibango’ engaged the terrorists when they attacked the strategic border town on Friday, destroying three communications masts and looting shops.

The troops stationed at the town supported by the “air component of OPLD mounted a hot pursuit and closed up” with the terrorists, killing 21 of them in the process.

The army spokesman explained, “The gallant troops successfully recovered a gun truck with an anti-aircraft gun mounted on it, eight AK47 rifles with 10 magazines as well as two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and five chargers.

“Other items recovered include over a thousand rounds of different calibres of ammunition, one Commando Mortar Tube, 3 IED blasting devices, toolboxes, communication radios and cell phones among several other items of value.” 

Mr Yerima added that the troops were still combing the area for possible discoveries, adding that most of the terrorists escaped with gun wounds.

He further disclosed that three soldiers were wounded in the encounter.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, congratulated the Theatre Commander and troops of OPLD, including the Air Component, for this great achievement.

“The COAS restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to ending terrorism and all violent crimes in the North East and other parts of the country.

“He further enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango until this noble goal is attained,” he said. 

(NAN)