Nigerian troops have again foiled plans by Islamist insurgents to carry out a deadly attack at Goniri community in Yobe state, close to Buni Yadi, where they recently killed hundreds of secondary school children.
The terrorists were ambushed by the troops who were on patrol having received information from locals about the attack.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, during the gun duel that ensued, eight insurgents were killed while their arms and ammunitions were also captured.
A statement by Olukolade reads, “The move by a group of terrorists on a mission to penetrate and attack Goniri Community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State has failed as they were ambushed by troops on patrols who were already alerted of the terrorists’ intention.
“Troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists’ elements after the encounter which resulted in some casualties on both parties.
“Rockets and machine guns were freely used by the terrorists who eventually lost over 8 of their fighters with several others wounded. Arms were also captured from the terrorists while others fled.
“The troops however lost a soldier while an officer was seriously wounded in the encounter”.
The defence spokesperson stated further that troops operating around Gamboru, Ngala and Dikwa Local Government Area towards the borders of Chad and Cameroun were throughout the weekend busy recovering weapons hidden by terrorists who were dislodged from the area.
Assisted by captured terrorists, the troops were led to the sites where arms have been hidden in farms and cemeteries. The cordon and search of the entire area is still in progress, Olukolade stated
