Authorities at the 7 Division of the Nigerian army in Borno State yesterday said that at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists and a soldier were killed during a gun battle between soldiers and the insurgents on Friday night in Gwoza, a local government area of the state.
This was coming barely 24 hours after a similar encounter led to the death of six Boko Haram terrorists, while a soldier was reported to have sustained injury.
In a statement issued by spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian army, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Dole, the gun battle took place around the area where the insurgents had carried out several isolated attacks on hapless villagers.
Dole’s statement said: “On the pursuit of Boko Haram insurgents in the late hours of Friday 15 November, 2013, troops of the 7 Division Nigerian Army launched an offensive operation along Gwoza-Bita Damboa road, where Boko Haram insurgents were flushed out.
“Bita town is a Boko Haram stronghold from where the terrorists launch attacks on isolated villages and motorists along the road to Gwoza and Damboa.
“During the encounter, 20 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, scores of vehicles and 50 motorcycles were destroyed. A soldier was killed, and three other soldiers were wounded in the operation.
“The 7 Division troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force are aggressively pursuing the fleeing insurgents in the general areas of Bita and Sambisa Forest”.
Source: Leadership (Abuja)
