Troops bust terrosists hideout in Borno, foil planned attack

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Kashimri, Bama LGA of Borno state.

In a statement on Monday, Appolonia Anele, acting director, army public relations, said the operation took place on October 17 under the coordination of the 21 special armoured brigade.

She said the troops acted on intelligence that terrorists were regrouping to launch attacks on civilian communities and disrupt socio-economic activities in the area.

“The troops swiftly moved to the suspected locations and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, neutralising several of them while others fled with gunshot wounds,” she said.

“The operation also led to the destruction of identified Boko Haram camps.”

Anele, however, said the Aliyu Paiko, commanding officer of 202 tank battalion, and a few other soldiers, were killed during the encounter.

She said Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of army staff (COAS), had extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as “patriots who demonstrated exceptional courage in defence of the nation”.

“Their sacrifices would never be in vain. The Nigerian Army remains committed to pursuing all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace is restored in the North East and across the country,” she quoted him as saying.

The spokesperson appealed to the public and the media to refrain from circulating images of deceased personnel until their next of kins have been duly informed.