The Nigerian Army said that it killed seven suspected Boko Haram terrorists after a botched attack on troops in Gwoza, in Borno.

Col. Tukur Gusau, the media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole stated this while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri on Friday.

“Boko Haram terrorists, despite their obvious losses, have made a desperate but costly attempt to attack Nigerian Army’s blocking position early this morning in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno. The encounter which started at about 5 a.m. on Friday lasted for almost two hours,” Gusau said.

He said that a number of weapons were recovered by the army.

“Although details are still being collated, suffice to state that seven suspected terrorists were gunned down. The following items were recovered; one Toyota Hilux vehicle, 11 AK-47 rifles, one Shilka Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, six Hand Grenades. Others include several rounds of Shilka Gun and Machine Gun ammunition,” Gusau said.

He added that troops were on pursuit of the attackers into Sambisa forest to eliminate all of them while the Nigerian Air Force was bombarding their locations.

Gusau said that the attack was part of desperate efforts by the terrorists to draw attention.

“ Boko Haram terrorists’ ability as a coherent fighting force has been degraded over time by troops through relentless attacks, patrols and aerial bombardments. The desperate attack was a failed attempt to project an image of strength, it is part of the last struggles of a dying evil,” he said.

Gusau said that troops of 7 Division Garrison and 112 Task Force Battalion also recovered large number of weapons in Mafa LGA.
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“Similarly. troops of 7 Division Garrison and 112 Task Force Battalion on Thursday while on fighting patrol recovered weapons in Busheshe village in Mafa axis.The weapons recovered include two Hilux vans, two anti aircraft guns, three 81 millimeter bombs, 101, 60 millimeter bombs.

“Others are 20 ammunition boxes and 21 rocket professed guns, large quantity of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition and cache of different caliber of ammunition,” he said.