*7 Nigerian soldiers die, 9 wounded

Nigerian soldiers

The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that troops of the Army 120 Task Force Battalion in Yobe, have killed more than 100 fleeing terrorists at Goniri area of the state.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement said seven soldiers died while nine others were wounded when the terrorists attempted to invade the military base at Goniri, early on Wednesday.

“The fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in a desperation and to create an impression that they remain relevant, early today made a futile attempt on 120 Task Force Battalion troops at Goniri, Yobe State.

“During the encounter, our gallant troops successfully repelled the attack and inflicted heavy casualty on the invaders, as all of them were killed.

“More than 100 terrorists died but unfortunately however, seven of our gallant soldiers paid the supreme price while defending our father land, one officer and eight soldiers were also wounded.’’

According to the statement, the troops recovered arms, ammunitions and other equipment from the terrorists.

The arms and ammunition recovered include, one general purpose machine gun; two rocket propelled grenades, nine AK-47 rifles and belted rounds of 7.62 (NATO) ammunitions.

It said that various wires used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 7 Primed IEDs, different types of spanners and a torch light were also recovered.

It said the troops had consolidated on the encounter and would continue blocking any fleeing terrorist using the Nigerian Air Force aerial bombardment and other troops artillery fire.

The statement stated that troops of 21 Brigade on fighting patrol from Bama to Ngurosoye, had destroyed Boko Haram terrorists camps along that axis.

It stated that soldiers on patrol came across some of the terrorists’ hideouts that also served as fabricating area for IEDs and the terrorists’ training area along Bama-Kawuri axis.

The statement said the Nigeria Army with the support of the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies would not relent in the determined effort of defeating Boko Haram insurgents.