‘Scores killed’ as insurgents in army uniform clash with troops in Borno

An unconfirmed number of members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been reportedly killed, following a joint military operation along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway in Borno state. 

The insurgents, who were said to have dressed in army uniform, ambushed and opened fire on a mobile police force (MPF) convoy on Friday evening, while it was returning from Buni Yadi along Auno-Garin Kuturu in Kaga LGA.

The insurgents reportedly seized one vehicle belonging to the officers.

However, a coordinated response by the air task force command, troops of 212, 73 battalion from sector 1, troops from 134 task force and 199 battalion, were said to have gone in pursuit of the insurgents.

A source in the army said an air force gunship and fighter jets came in contact with the insurgents at malam Fantari village.

The operation reportedly led to the “killing of scores of the terrorists on two gun trucks”.

Others who sustained gunshot injuries were said to have abandoned their vehicles and escaped.

“Unfortunately, one policeman was killed instantly, while two other corpses were recovered on Saturday after exploitation within the general area,” the source said.

“The recovered vehicle was taken to the Borno police command.”