TheCable

The defence headquarters says troops killed 20 Boko Haram insurgents in Baga, Kukawa local government area of Borno state, on Sunday.

John Enenche, the coordinator of defence media operations in a statement, said the troops encountered the insurgents as they tried to attack neighbouring villages around Baga. 

According to him, none of the soldiers got killed, but nine sustained wounds and have been moved to hospital for treatment. 

“In a decisive intercept offensive operation, troops of 130 battalion with the support of army super camp Baga, had a fierce encounter at the north west of Baga town with BHT/ISWAP criminals on the 17th of May 2020,” the statement read. 

“The criminals armed with mortars, rocket propelled grenades and small arms were heading to attack villages surrounding Baga, when the troops attacked their convoy with overwhelming fire power killing 20 BHT/ISWAP criminals, captured 6 AK 47 Rifles, 520 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and five 36 hand grenades. 

“However, nine of our gallant soldiers were wounded in action with no loss of life. They were  evacuated to Sector 3 hospital for treatment.

“The chief of army staff commends the gallant troops for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute towards eradicating the criminals from the north-east.”

On Friday, suspected Boko Haram insurgents, who fled following military offensives, abandoned 72 family members in Ngala, Ngala local government area of Borno.