Nigeria: 28 soldiers die fighting Boko Haram
Nigeria appears to be winning its war on Boko Haram’s terrorism but victories recorded since President Muhammadu Buhari took office hasn’t come without some sacrifices of blood.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said Boko Haram have been degraded “but we are still very careful”.
The terrorists, in February alone, killed 28 Nigerian soldiers and kidnapped three others, the military has said. Many other officers were injured in various battles with Boko Haram terrorists (BHT) who want to “Islamise” Nigeria.
“On 1 Feb 17 at about 0950hrs own troops cleared BHT camp at DUSALA where 6 BHT members were killed. Items captured include one Light Machine Gun, 2 RPG tubes and one extra AA gun barrel,” Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, said.
“Thereafter, our troops came in contact with BHT at BUK where a fire fight ensued. Sadly, 3 soldiers were killed in action while 5 others were wounded. Furthermore, some BHT equipment were recovered which include 9 AK47 rifles, 3 FN rifles, 2 RPG bombs, one mortar tube, one Shilka gun, one gun truck mounted with AA gun and 2 Hilux vehicles.
“On 9 Feb 17 at about 1930hrs, own convoy of troops including 6 BOSG buses conveying some young soldiers encountered BHT ambush along AJIRI – DIKWA road. The troops engaged the BHT but 8 soldiers were killed in action.
“Also, 18 other soldiers were wounded in action while 3 others were missing in action. A Canter vehicle, a gun truck, 7 AK47 rifles, 2 radios and some equipment were lost in the ambush. Efforts have been ongoing to find all the missing soldiers and to recover the lost equipment.
“On 24 Feb 17 at about 2359hrs, some BHT elements in gun trucks and on motorcycles attacked our troops location at GAJIRAM.
“Sadly, one officer and 10 soldiers were killed in action and one other soldier was wounded in action. Some of our equipment lost include a gun truck earlier captured from BHT, 11 AK47 rifles and an RPG tube. Two BHT were killed in action as well as 5 motor cycles and one AK47 rifle were recovered.
“Furthermore, the troops pursued the BHT and recovered a Toyota Land cruiser vehicle that was used by BHT during the attack.
“Other items recovered include 9 rounds of 12.7mm, a metal link for 12.7mm, assorted hard drugs, a note with BHT names in Arabic inscription and a micro chip containing audio messages in Kanuri, Hausa and Arabic preaching.”
Irabor revealed this in a report he presented to the media during the week. The report coincided with a security briefing military chiefs had with Osinbajo.
The Acting President said the military has done well.
