By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said its men have neutralized over 70 terrorists during one of its operations in Borno State.
The military also said, regrettably it lost 22 of its personnel in the process.
Mr. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, said this in a statement on Sunday.
The military said the incident occurred during a clearance operation at a notable terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle.
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action.”
According to him, the three-prong operation was targeted at dismantling the terrorist presence with a triangle and began on 16 January till date.
Buba, however, said the troops killed over 70 terrorists, including some of their commanders during the operations.
“Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which resulted in over 70 terrorists combatants including 3 notable terrorist commanders neutralized.
The terrorist commanders killed during the operations include and are not limited to the following: TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander), and ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander),” he said.
The DHQ said the success was despite the terrorists deploying Improvised Explosive Devices( IEDs), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.
“Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorist,” the DHQ added.
