Nigerian troops involved in the clearance of Boko Haram terrorists and rescue operations in Sambisa forest nicknamed “Operation CRACKDOWN”came under intense 40 minute gun attack mounted by the insurgents Wednesday evening.

Colonel Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations said in a statement that the terrorists came in five Toyota Hilux vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft guns which they fired along with 81mm mortar.

But he said the battle ready troops rose to the occasion and repelled the attack and pursued the terrorists that withdrew in disarray towards the river line of Izza-Mainyakare axis.

“The attack lasted for about 40 minutes without any casualty on our troops while an unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed.

“The troops recovered an 81mm mortar tube from the terrorists,” Colonel Usman said of how the battle ended.

The Army spokesperson added that the troops maintain highest level alertness and vigilance at the harbour area and will further exploit and continue with the clearance operation.