Troops during the operation at Chikungudu

Nigerian Army has announced that its troops killed 19 Boko Haram members, including one Ameer Abubakar Gana described as a notorious leader of the insurgent group during an operation in Chukungudu village on Friday.

Colonel Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations who said this in a statement also revealed that the troops also discovered and destroyed a bomb making factory and four already primed bombs.

In addition, the Army spokesman said the troops also arms and ammunitions belonging to the members of the insurgent group during the operation

In the statement, Col. Usman said “Following credible information on the presence of Boko Haram terrorists,  their camp and other facilities  at Chukungudu, a carefully planned and deliberate attack comprising troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, and 153 Task Force Battalion of  7 Division and 8 Task Force  Division as well as Nigeria Air Force Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)  and some Civilian JTF, was carried out on Boko Haram terrorists stronghold  and camp at Chukungudu on Friday 3rd May 2016.

“While advancing to the location, the troops  encountered  Boko Haram terrorists  ambush positions at Muskari, Gilam and Hausasi before descending on their main objective at Chukungudu.

“During the encounter at the camp, the troops  killed 19  Boko Haram Terrorists including their notorious leader in the area called Ameer Abubakar Gana.

“They also discovered and destroyed the terrorists  Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making factory, discovered and successfully detonated 4 primed IEDs.

The troops also  recovered 2  Anti-Aircraft Guns, 1  AK-47 Rifle, a Pistol, 1 Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) Bomb, 1 AK-47 Magazine, 267 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) metal links ammunition and 23 rounds of 12.7mm belt ammunition.

 “Other recovered items include a Canter truck, 1 Gun truck, 1  Land Rover  vehicle and a Toyota Hilux vehicle.

“Unfortunately, 2 soldiers  suffered gun shot wounds  as a result of enemy action. However, it is gratifying to state that both of them are very stable and responding to treatment at the Field  Ambulance.”.