Troops kill 10, capture 5 Boko Haram fighters in Borno – Army

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that troops killed 10 suspected Boko Haram fighters and captured five others, after the insurgents were said to have ambushed the soldiers at Faljari village between Mafa and Dikwa.

It said the encounter occurred when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T. Y. Buratai, visited troops in Mafa, Dikwa and Logomani.

A late night statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, reads: “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai today (Saturday) visited troops at Mafa, Dikwa and Logomani.

“At 112 Task Force Battalion location Mafa, he commended the troops and enjoined them to continue to be hardworking and dedicated.

“In a related development, the leading column was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Faljari village between Mafa and Dikwa.

“The terrorists encountered an overwhelming fire power from the troops in which 10 of them were killed. The troops were able to capture five terrorists.

“During the encounter, sadly, we lost a soldier, while an officer and four soldiers sustained gun shot wounds. The arrested terrorists have been sent for interrogation while the remains of the gallant soldier and the wounded soldiers were evacuated back to Maiduguri.

“The wounded soldiers are stable and responding to treatment at 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services.

“At Dikwa, the COAS interacted with a mammoth crowd of internally displaced persons where he assured them of their safety.

“Thereafter, he addressed some elements of 112 Battalion in which he told them that the Boko Haram terrorists should not have any freedom of action or movement within their area of responsibility.

“At Logomani, where troops of 7 Division Strike Group where refitting, he informed them that Nigerians are very proud of them. It should be recalled that the unit recaptured Dikwa and now heading to the next objective. He also said that he was adequately briefed by the GOC 7 Div about their problem. He also delivered President Buhari’s goodwill message.

“One interesting aspect of the visit was that the Nigerian Air Force led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SB Abubakar gave air cover and conducted armed air reconnaissance on the general area…”