Troops and Civilian JTF Storm Boko Haram Market, Many Killed

Troops and Civilian JTF Storm Boko Haram Market, Many Killed

At least eleven Boko Haram fighters were killed Saturday as troops of Nigeria’s 103 battalion destroyed a market cum camp operated by the terrorist sect in northern Borno, PREMIUM TIMES reports.

An unconfirmed number of terrorists were also wounded during the battle in Yale, about eight kilometres south of Bama and 12 kilometres south west of Dikwa, while arms, ammunition and other equipment were recovered, military insiders said.

Officers and men of the 103 battalion, in conjunction with their counterparts from 21 Brigade, 202 Battalion and 151 Task Force Battalion arrived the market at about 7:30 am Saturday and opened fire on suspected terrorists found on location.

A detachment of Civilian JTF, which has been assisting the military in the anti-insurgency war, because of its deep knowledge of the North-East terrain, also participated in the operation, our sources said.

All the structures found at the camp were destroyed as suspected terrorists, caught by surprise, fled in different directions.

At least 11 of them were gunned down while several others were seriously injured.

A number of the sect members escaped with gunshot wounds, our sources further disclosed.

But as troops withdrew from battle unhurt, Boko Haram elements staged a surprise ambush attack, which was also successfully repelled.

The items destroyed during the operation include 11 motorcycles, 400 bicycles and several bags of grains and condiment.

Several AK47 rifles, magazines, binoculars, army rain boots, telephone handsets, cameras and strip wires were recovered from the terrorists, insiders said.

News of the destruction of the Boko Haram market came hours after troops of the 119 Task Force Battalion killed a yet unknown number of Boko Haram fighters who attacked troops location in Kangarwa, northern Borno.

The Nigerian troops gallantly fought back, killing an unknown number of the attackers and injuring several others.

Nine soldiers were however injured in that battle, our sources said.

On Saturday, a patrol team from Baga, which went to evacuate the injured soldiers, was also ambushed.

Members of the team repelled the attack and cleared the ambush, those familiar with the matter said.

It is the sixth time the 119 Battalion would be so attacked in recent times, military insiders said.

The army is yet to issue an official statement on the two operations.