Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army have killed 37 terrorists in Borno south during a clearance operation nicknamed “Operation Karya Gwuiwa.”
The troops also captured one Boko Haram terrorist named Musa Jubril and one female believed to be sex slave in captivity by the sect and recovered eight motorcycles, stored raw foodstuffs and beddings.
Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Saturday that the troops carried out the operation in suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts at Ajigin, Golgore, Njibulla, Doksa 1, 2 and 3 villages.
Usman said that three AK-47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists at Ajigin.
“Unfortunately, a vigilante group member lost his life, while six soldiers were wounded during the clearance operation.
“The corpse of the late vigilante and the wounded soldiers have been evacuated.
“The troops have continued with the clearance operation and also maintaining blocking positions to further neutralise and destroy any fleeing Boko Haram terrorists,” Usman said.
Meanwhile, soldiers are mourning the death of Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, described as a gallant, battle tested and trusted patriotic soldier.
In a statement on Saturday, the Theatre Command Centre of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, said Ali, nicknamed, Sarkin Yaki (Chief Warrior), was the Commanding Officer, 272 Task Force Battalion at Mallam Fatori in Northern Borno.
He died in confrontation with suspected Boko Haram terrorists who attacked 119 Battalion, Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori on Friday, in a failed attempt to capture the town.
Four other soldiers also died in the attack.
“He served the nation with unwavering commitment and dedication, paying the ultimate price so that millions can sleep on their beds in peace.
“We are deeply pained at the loss of one so selfless and committed to routing the misguided terrorists from the North of the country,” it said.
Ali, a recipient of the Chief of Army Staff Award for exceptional bravery and excellence, led the army units that recovered Gamboru-Ngala, Baga and several communities from the terrorists.
The centre said that it was deeply pained by Ali’s demise who served as “the face of the campaign against Boko Haram which embodied commitment, loyalty, service and hope for a better, peaceful and prosperous nation.”
The statement added that the deceased was “a source of inspiration to us and millions of Nigerians praying for the speedy end of the insurgency.
“At this point we pray for his family and the Nigerian Army that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Ali and others who have lost their lives in the ongoing campaign will never be forgotten.”
