Troops kill 29 terrorists, rescue 72 hostages

chika ebuzor

March 29, 2016 4:06 AM

The defence headquarters (DHQ) said the new video, which showed a remorseful Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, is deceptive.

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The Army public relations director, Col Sani Usman said troops killed 29 Boko Haram fighters and also rescued 72 hostages.

Usman said “Troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade have cleared remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from three villages in Iza general area, killing 25 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered some weapons.

“The cleared villages were Mballeri, Shuari 1 and Shuari 2. In addition, the troops also rescued 18 persons held captive by the terrorists. They comprised of 2 men, 7 women and 9 children. The rescued persons have been moved to the Brigade’s headquarters for further screening and care.

“Unfortunately, one Civilian JTF accompanying the troops fell off a vehicle and sustained some injuries. He has however since been evacuated to the unit’s Regimental Aid Post for medical treatment and he is in stable condition.”

He also said “Troops of 114 Task Force Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilantes in their area of operation, have carried out clearance operation of reported remnants of Boko Haram terrorists along Bita-Madube Ciki-Njubul axis.

“During the advance, 2 soldiers unfortunately stepped on a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that seriously injured one of the soldiers.

“Nevertheless, the troops continued the advance and had contact with the terrorists and cleared them out of Madube Cikin, killing 4 insurgents, destroying 2 vehicles and 2 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists.

“The troops also recovered 2 cylinders, 1 AK-47 rifle, 3 boxes of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 bicycles and bags of grains.

“The troops also rescued 54 persons held hostage by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“The released hostages are being screened while the wounded soldiers have since been evacuated for proper medical care.”

The defence headquarters (DHQ) said the new video, which showed the leader of Boko Haram, will not distract soldiers from the ongoing operations against insurgents.

Do you think the Boko Haram leader is ready to surrender?

READ: 7 things Shekau said in new video

Please let us know what you think. Put your comments below.

chika ebuzor