Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized eight Boko Haram terrorists during a counter-insurgency operation in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, reinforcing the military’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the acting Public Relations Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, a detachment from the 26 Taskforce Brigade deployed to Izge intercepted and repelled the insurgents during an attempted attack in the early hours of the day.
“The fire fighting lasted for several hours before the Boko Haram fighters were overpowered,” Captain Kovangiya stated.
Several insurgents reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds, while troops recovered motorcycles, ten bicycles, and a PKT automatic machine gun along with ammunition belts from the terrorists.
Foiled Attack Near Nigeria-Niger Border
Captain Kovangiya also confirmed a separate attempted attack on Nigerian troops stationed at Malamfatori, a border town between Nigeria and the Niger Republic. He noted that the assault was swiftly repelled, inflicting significant casualties on the attackers who retreated across the border.
Midnight Attack in Izge: Army Captain, Soldier Killed
In a related development, an Army Captain and a soldier were killed during a midnight attack on Izge community by Boko Haram terrorists. The assault occurred around 1 am, with the terrorists launching a surprise raid on the farming settlement.
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, recounted how the Nigerian Armed Forces—assisted by local hunters, vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing three of the attackers and recovering multiple items.
“The terrorists infiltrated the farming community, shooting sporadically before they were repelled,” the Emir stated.
Recovered items include several motorcycles, bicycles, an operational vehicle, and a sophisticated rifle, all belonging to the insurgents.
The Emir praised the efforts of the military, the CJTF, local hunters, vigilantes, and the residents of Izge, while offering prayers for the fallen soldiers and their grieving families.