Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE currently on Operation DEEP PUNCH II have killed five Boko Haram terriosts and captured a commander in the group.
According to Army Public Relations of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, in a statement in Maiduguri, stated that the operation was part of the resolve of the army to clear the remnants of the Boko Harm terrorists within Sambisa forest and Lake Chad.
Nwachukwu also disclosed that four civilians were rescued and many weapons and ammunitions were also discovered.
He said: “In an ambush that lasted for less than 20 minutes near Sabil Huda, the troops recovered a G3 Rifle magazine, 1 Life jacket, a Light Machine Gun metal link, 4 rounds of anti-Aircraft ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 3 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. Unfortunately, 2 soldiers were injured in the process. They have since been evacuated by the Nigerian Air Force and are responding to treatment.
“During the clearance, they also neutralized five Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others. The troops recovered a 122 millimetre gun mounted on a truck that also has an Anti-aircraft gun on it, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade, 1 Grenade Revolver, 7 Mortar Bombs and other assorted weapons. While advancing, the troops also encountered and recovered 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles, 3 Power generating sets, 2 Motorcycles, additional Mortar bombs, Gas cylinders and the Boko Haram terrorists Metal fabrication factory replete with varying machines for welding and making IEDs.
“The troops also recovered 1 Motorcycle with 10 Bicycle tyres, a bicycle, 3 Boko Haram flags, 1 Solar panel, 5 drums of Guinea corn, 2 medium size mattresses, 2 Grinding machines, 3 bags of metal scraps, 2 Motorcycle tyres and 2 underground food Storages. They also recovered one AK-47 Rifle Magazine, 1 dummy Rifle, a round of 12.7mm ammunition, 12 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, 2 bicycles, large quantity of IED making materials and a tool box.”
Nwachukwu also regretted that in the course of the action, two soldiers were injured and they have started responding to treatment and he further disclosed that the Air Force of the Operation provided air cover for the land troops in the conduct of the operations.