Three soldiers were killed in fierce battles between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram members, the army has said.
Several members of the insurgents were also killed in the battles while arms and ammunition were recovered, Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The battles were in different parts of Damboa Local Government Area after which “Armoured Fighting vehicle, trucks, arms and ammunition,” were recovered from the fleeing terrorists, Mr. Usman, a brigadier general, said.
“Unfortunately however, 3 soldiers paid the supreme price, while 5 others were wounded in action.
“The bodies of the late soldiers and those that sustained injuries have since been evacuated,” he added.
Read Mr. Usman’s full statement below.
Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE during clearance operation at Dulsa and Buk, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, today had an encounter with fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in which they recovered Armoured Fighting vehicle, trucks, arms and ammunition.
At Dulsa this morning, the troops cleared the hideout of the terrorists during which they neutralized 6 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 neutralized large number 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 bodies of the late soldiers and those that sustained injuries have since been evacuated.
The wounded soldiers are in stable condition.
One would definitely appreciate the effort of the Military but this does not sound like the Nigerian Armed Forces who are known for gallantry since WW1 in Burma, Liberia, Congo, Sudan to name just a few. I once posted my concern about military strategy and morale of our troops. Has anything been done in this direction? No more military assignment at political polls, no, they should mobilize and comb every nook cranny of that dangerous theatre of massacre and stamp their unquestionable victory against these murderers by all means. How can they turn our highly intelligent and gallant soldiers into play toys living agony in the hearts of widows,orphans and concerned citizens. Further delay in taking decisive action will only cost the country more money and lives of those who have put their lives on the line to defend the territorial integrity of our Nation. Ge.Buratai,Gen Irabor,God is on our side, you can do it.Sure you can.I make bold to say that Corruption and insecurity in our nation is part of if not the main reason for epillectic economy for lack of focus. Lord Have Mercy for your Name,s sake.