Nigerian troops on Friday evening engaged Boko Haram terrorists in a gun duel at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorists who came with Motorcycles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (MCBIED), Anti-Aircraft Guns and other weapons in their numbers were said to have attacked the troops at about 5.00pm.
According to Nigerian Army spokesperson, Col Sani Usman, the exchange of fire lasted for some hours before the terrorists were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.
He said, “Unfortunately, one of the terrorists’ suicide bomber detonated himself at a gun truck killing the driver and the gunner. “The truck and the mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs. In addition 2 soldiers were wounded in action while 3 others sustained minor injuries.
“The troops killed 7 of the attackers instantly while quite a number escaped with gun shot wounds. During clearance operations on Saturday morning, the troops discovered 9 more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the surrounding areas. Therefore the total number of terrorists killed was 16.
“The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured 2 of the terrorists alive.
“The bodies of the 2 fallen heroes and the wounded in action soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while reinforcement was sent from Gomboru Ngala.
“In a related development, troops have also discovered and safely detonated 2 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along Gomboru-Rann road. It is believed that the IEDs were planted yesterday to prevent troops reinforcement to Rann while the attack lasted.
“The Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion has visited the troops and held durbar with them. He commended them for their doggedness during attack and also urged them not to lower their guards.”
Usman said despite the incident, troops morale remains very high and they have continued with their clearance operations.
