By Kingsley Omonobi

The Army said yesterday that its troops on clearance operation, in a three hours gun battle, repelled an attack from escaping terrorists who attempted a surprise reprisal attack on their positions, killing scores of the terrorists even as eight Nigerian soldiers and two civilian JTF members were injured.

Confirming the development in a statement, Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations said, “Following combined clearance operations against Boko Haram terrorists from other parts of our neighbouring countries, escaping terrorists attempted an incursion into our troop’s position while in harbour at Kangarwa yesterday evening. “The troops dealt decisively with the fleeing terrorists and recovered arms and ammunitions from them in an encounter that lasted for about 3 hours.

“Quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. “Unfortunately, 8 soldiers and 2 Civilian JTF were however wounded in action during the encounter. “They have since been evacuated for proper medical attention. They are in stable condition and responding to treatment.  “In addition, one of the troop’s Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles caught fire following a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) shot that affected the fuel tank and other electrical fittings. The troops however quickly put off the fire.

The gallant troops captured 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 3 AK-47 Rifles, 6 Mortar Bombs, 4 Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Chargers, various types of ammunitions a 16/750 tyre and assorted types of drugs.”