18 killed as Boko Haram terrorists attack military base

Remnants of Boko Haram terrorists said to be in their numbers attacked troops location at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday evening.
A statement on Saturday said the terrorists came with Motorcycles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, Anti-Aircraft Guns and other weapons at about 5pm.
The exchange of fire with the Nigerian military was said to have lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.
Unfortunately, one of the terrorists’ suicide bomber detonated himself at a gun truck, killing the driver and the gunner.
The truck and the mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs.
In addition two soldiers were wounded in action, while three others sustained minor injuries.
The troops killed seven of the attackers instantly, while quite a number escaped with gunshot wounds.
During clearance operations on Saturday morning, the troops discovered nine more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the surrounding areas, bring the number of dead on the side of the attackers to 16.
The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured two of the terrorists alive.
The bodies of the two soldiers and those wounded in action have been evacuated to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, while reinforcement was sent from Gomboru Ngala.
In a related development, troops have also discovered and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices planted along Gomboru-Rann Road.
It is believed that the IEDs were planted on Friday to prevent troops reinforcement to Rann, while the attack lasted.
The Commanding Officer of the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army has visited the troops and held a durbar with them.
He commended them for their doggedness during attack and also urged them not to lower their guards.
Despite the incident, troops morale remains very high and they have continued with their clearance operations, the statement said.