Over recent weeks, the army has stepped up attempts to clear the remnants of Boko Haram from Borno State and there have been numerous clashes between both sides. Yesterday, Major General Lucky Irabor, the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the operation to flush out the sect, said that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) were also wounded during the latest operation.
Major General Irabor said: “On July 20, troops with some Civilian JTF conducted clearing operations at Gongon village in the Alagarno general area. Own troops destroyed Boko Haram camps and captured a gun truck mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, a rocket propelled grenade tube, a light machine gun, three AK-47 rifles and other logistic items of the terrorists.
“However, when own troops were returning to their defensive location, they ran into an ambush by the terrorists who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades. The troops fought back gallantly killing many of them, sadly, 16 soldiers and three Civilian JTF were wounded in action, while some others, including the commanding officer, are missing in action.
“A search party has been dispatched; so far, six soldiers and four Civilian JTF have rejoined unit, the wounded are stable and responding to treatment. Currently, there are three officers and 16 soldiers still missing.”
He said, however, said that the army had recorded successes in other aspects of its operations against the Boko Haram terrorists. Major General Irabor said some of the major successful operations included Clearing Operation in Mafa Local Government Area.
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