TheCable

The Nigerian army says six members of the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have been killed in Dikwa, Borno state.

The insurgents were said to have attempted to infiltrate the area on Tuesday, when the soldiers engaged them in a gunfight.

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, said the insurgents mounted five gun trucks, while some of them were on motorcycles as they tried to enter Dikwa through Gajibo axis.

“They were met with superior firepower by troops in conjunction with air bombardment by Air Task Force,” he said.

“The marauding terrorists were thoroughly vanquished, forcing them to withdraw in high state of confusion, abandoning their truck, guns and ammunition.

“During the encouter, 6 members of the terrorists groups were neutralised, several others were severely injured, while the survivors withdrew in total disarray leaving behind their dead colleagues.

“Items recovered during the encounter include 1 Gun Truck, 8 Ak 47 rifles, 40 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 39 special ammo, 3 motorcycles and 6 magazines.

“To mop up the area, troops conducted exploitation in the early hours of today in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force and Hunters along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes and recovered 90 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 on links belonging to the fleeing terrorists.”

He said three soldiers, however, sustained various degrees of injuries, but are in stable condition as they are receiving treatment in Dikwa.

He added that Faruk Yahaya, chief of army staff, has commended the troops over the feat and charged them to remain resolute and steadfast.