TheCable

The Nigerian army says more than 50 insurgents have been killed in Borno, following an attack on Damboa area in the state.

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman who disclosed this on Wednesday, said “suicide bombers” attempted an attack on Damboa.

He, however, noted that in an operation carried out in conjunction with the Nigerian air force component of operation Hadin Kai, the troops defeated the insurgents.

He said the insurgents attacked with armoured personnel carriers and 12 gun trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, as well as “locally-fabricated armoured-plated vehicles loaded with explosives and motorcycles”.

Yerima added that the surviving terrorists were forced to flee.

“The so-called suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming fire power from the highly motivated troops,” he said.

“Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the depleted terrorists.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya congratulated the troops including the Air Component for this great achievement.

“The COAS restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army in his leadership to ending terrorism and other violent crimes in the North East and the rest of the country.

“He further enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango until the noble goal is attained.”