Gun Truck: destroyed beyond repairs during the attack

Nigerian Army said it troops killed 16 members of Boko Haram terrorist group while repelling the insurgents’ attacks at their location in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday evening.

Colonel Sani Usman, acting director, Army Public Relations who said this in a statement on Saturday however said two soldiers died when one of the terrorists’  suicide bomber detonated himself at a gun truck, killing the driver and the gunner.

Colonel Usaman said, “The terrorists came with Motorcycles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (MCBIED), Anti-Aircraft Guns and other weapons at about 5.00pm and the exchange of fire lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.

“Unfortunately, one of the terrorists’ suicide bomber detonated himself at a gun truck killing the driver and the gunner. The truck and the mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs. In addition 2 soldiers were wounded in action while 3 others sustained minor injuries.

“The troops killed 7 of the attackers instantly while quite a number escaped with gunshot wounds. During clearance operations  this morning, the troops discovered 9 more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the surrounding areas. Therefore the total number of terrorists killed was 16.

“The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions   and captured 2 of the terrorists alive.

“The bodies of the 2  fallen heroes and the wounded in action soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while reinforcement was sent from Gomboru Ngala.

Colonel Usman also said In a related development, the troops  also discovered and safely detonated 2 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along Gomboru-Rann believed to be  planted  to prevent troops  reinforcement to Rann while the attack lasted.

The Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion, according to Colonel Usman, has visited the troops and commended them for their doggedness during attack.

He also urged them not to lower their guards.