Nigerian soldiers remove mines from the Damaturu-Biu highway

The ongoing offensive against Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria’s north east has claimed two Nigerian soldiers.

The raids, cordon and search operations and patrols embarked upon by 21 Brigade claimed a soldier. He was injured initially, but later died.

One soldier also died when troops of 3 Battalion convoy from Dikwa to Gamboru Ngala stepped on series of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) buried by suspected Boko Haram terrorists between Gajibo and Logomani.

Four other soldiers and a civilian vigilante sustained injuries. The body of the soldier and those injured have since been evacuated, said army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman..

Troops of 121 Task Force Battalion on blocking position  near Gibiye, intercepted fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in a pick up van and on three motorcycles.

They engaged them,  killing 3 terrorists and recovered the van and the motorcycles.

The 22 Brigade on its part, has conducted clearance operations in which it cleared four towns and villages of Boko Haram terrorists.

In the process, they killed three  Boko Haram terrorists, while nine of them that  hid in a fox holes and dug outs were found out and captured. The troops also recovered weapons and rescued 400 persons held hostages by the terrorists. This is in addition to the recovery and handing over of 300 cows rustled by the terrorists.

Troops of 26 Task Force Brigade also ambushed Boko Haram terrorists yesterday at Uvaha, killing some of them and wounding others. The troops recovered a bicycle, 1 bag of   baobab powder, submersible pump and 1 bag of carbide suspected to be for IED making.

Troops of 114 Task  Force Battalion also rescued 72 persons held hostage by the terrorists in Jaje and Mayor Ali.

Meanwhile, 26 vehicles conveying 398 returnees  from IDP camps arrived Gwoza in preparations for resettlement.