Prompt response by troops to distress call saved communities from being attacked by Boko Haram members who besieged their areas in search of food, the Defence headquarters said on Tuesday.
A statement by the Director of Defence information, Major General Chris Olukolade, says arms and ammunition left behind as the terrorists flee have been recovered.
He also assured that onslaught against the insurgents is being intensified in the forests along the Lake Chad while cordon and search of area is continuing.
He stated, “A timely distress call has saved communities besieged by terrorists in search of food around the Lake Chad area. The terrorists who were said to be heavily armed scampered for safety on sensing the approach of troops before they could carry out their mission.
“The troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force on patrol of the area have so far recovered some arms and ammunition left behind by fleeing terrorists. Cordon and search of the area is continuing with a view to apprehending any of the terrorists that could be lurking around.
“Meanwhile, the assault on terrorists’ enclaves in Sambisa forests and surrounding locations is continuing. Operational activities around Wala, Gwoza, Pulka and environs have been intensified. “Encounters resulting from air and land strikes and an ambush of troops on patrols in the area have resulted in the death of scores of terrorists and loss of 5 soldiers including an officer.
