Nigerian military has confirmed that no fewer than 50 suspected members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram that carried out deadly attacks on a military barracks in Bama, Borno state were killed.
The insurgents in the early hours of last week Friday attacked the barracks leaving heavy casualties that were not immediately confirmed by the Defence headquarters.
But in a statement late Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen Chris Olukolade, said while about 50 insurgents were killed, 15 soldiers and five civilian also lost their lives.
According to him, vehicles used during the attacks were recovered from them the insurgents as they tried to flee the Nigeria into the neigbouring countries.
The Defence spokesman also assured that other sect members that may be lurking around would also be soon be apprehended.
The statement reads, “The military operations to track insurgents who carried out the last Friday pre-dawn attacks on Mohammed Kur Barracks, Bama, has led to the destruction of over 20 vehicles conveying escaping terrorists.
“The vehicles were the ones used during the attack on the barracks and were sited through air surveillance as the terrorists were making efforts to cross the borders back to their haven in Cameroun.
“Although, a good number of the insurgents escaped with bullet wounds while some have been arrested.
“Over 50 of them died in the course of exchange of fire with ground troops in the ongoing operations to apprehend fleeing terrorists.
“The military has lost 15 soldiers mostly from the attack while some died during the pursuit. A total of 5 civilians also died during the attack.
“Intensive cordon and search operations are still ongoing to fish out the insurgents who might be lurking around communities in the area.
“Meanwhile, families affected by the attacks have been relocated to other military locations”.
Disturbed by the attacks, President Goodluck Jonathan hurriedly conveyed an emergency meeting with Service Chiefs including the Inspector General Police, Mohammed Abubakar, during which he reminded them that to whom much is given, much is equally expected.
In May, President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three frontline states in the north east- Borno., Yobe and Adamawa, owing to escalation of attacks.
Despite the enforcement of emergency rule which has also been extended for another six months, the insurgents are still being able to carry out pockets of deadly attacks.
To unsure counter insurgency, military authorities have established an Army Division in Maiduguri headed by a General Officer Commanding (GOC).
