No fewer than 20 members of the Boko Haram sect have reportedly lost their lives in a fierce encounter between Nigerian soldiers and Boko Haram insurgents at the north-western part of Baga town in Borno state.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday, May 17 by Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche.
According to John Enenche, troops conducted the decisive intercept offensive operation with the support of the Nigerian Army Super Camp in Baga against the insurgents who were armed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and small weapons.
Eneche said the terrorists were on their way to attack villages surrounding Baga before the gunfight took place. Though no Nigerian soldier died in the attack, however nine soldiers were wounded in the operation and have since been evacuated to Sector 3 hospital for treatment.
Eneche said;
“The troops attacked their convoy with overwhelming firepower, killing 20 BHT/ISWAP criminals, captured six AK 47 rifles, 520 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and five 36 hand grenades.
“However, nine of our gallant soldiers were wounded in action with no loss of life. They were evacuated to Sector 3 hospital for treatment.”