TheCable

The Nigerian army says it lost two of its personnel while engaging Boko Haram insurgents in Ajiri, Konduga LGA, and Rann in Kala Balge LGA of Borno.

The insurgents had attacked the two towns on Saturday and Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman, said the troops were able to push the insurgents out of the towns.

He said a series of weapons were recovered while most of the retreating insurgents left with injuries.

“Nigerian Army Troops of the newly reinvigorated Operation Hadin Kai, successfully thwarted Boko Haram Terrorist’s attempt to infiltrate into Rann Town, the capital of Kala Balge LGA of Borno State on 1 May 2021,” the statement read.

“The terrorists in their numbers attempted to disrupt the peace that has been enjoyed by the border town but were met with stiff resistance as the troops in the area took them on a fierce fire fight which lasted about an hour.

“The terrorists withdrew in disarray with a large number of them suffering fatal injuries leaving behind several weapons and ammunition including anti aircraft gun barrel, AK 47 rifle, hand held communication radio and different calibres of ammunition.

“In a related development, on 2 May 2021, another band of Boko Haram Terrorists on a criminal mission attacked Ajiri town of Konduga LGA of Borno State. The terrorists having reached part of the town initially burnt 9 houses and killed some innocent residents before they were engaged by the troops deployed in the area.

“The retreating terrorists went away with various degrees of gun shot injuries while the gallant troops are on their chase. Unfortunately however, 2 personnel paid the supreme price in the resulting encounter.”

Yerima said Ibrahim Attahiru, the army chief, has commended the troops for their resilience and determination to keep the areas free of terrorists activities.

Editor’s note: The featured image was used for illustrative purposes.