Maiduguri – The Nigerian Army said on Saturday that it had killed 19 suspected Boko Haram insurgents, including one of their commanders during a ‘clearance operations’ in Chukungudu village and surrounding communities in Borno.
Col. Sani Usman, the Acting Director Army Public Relations said in a statement in Maiduguri that the operation followed the receipt of credible information on the presence of the camps and facilities of the insurgents in the village.
He said a carefully planned and deliberate attack, comprising troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, 153 Task Force Battalion of 7 Division, 8 Task Force Division, Nigeria Air Force Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) and some Civilian JTF, was carried out.
“While advancing to the location, the troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists ambush positions at Muskari, Gilam and Hausasi, before descending on their main objective at Chukungudu.
“During the encounter at the camp, the troops killed 19 Boko Haram terrorists, including their notorious leader in the area called Ameer Abubakar Gana,” Usman said.
He said that the troops also uncovered and destroyed Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) making factory during the operation.
“They also discovered and destroyed the terrorists IEDs making factory, discovered and successfully detonated four primed IEDs.
“The troops also recovered two Anti-Aircraft Guns, one AK-47 Rifle, a Pistol, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) Bomb, one AK-47 Magazine, 267 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) metal links ammunition and 23 rounds of 12.7mm belt ammunition.
“ Other recovered items include a Canter truck, 1 Gun truck, 1 Land Rover vehicle and a Toyota Hilux vehicle.,” he said.
Usman however confirmed that two soldiers were injured during the operation.
“Unfortunately, two soldiers suffered gunshot wounds as a result of enemy action.
“However, it is gratifying to state that both of them are in a very stable condition and responding to treatment at the Field Ambulance,” he said.
