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• Says Troops eliminated 70 terrorists combatants, 3 notable commanders
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters(DHQ) has confirmed the killing of 22 soldiers fighting the counter insurgency war in Borno State.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said several others were injured during clearance operations embarked upon by the troops.
Buba, in a statement, appealed to the media to desist from publishing names of troop casualties to allow military authorities formally notify their next of kin.
He, however, said troops from Operation HADIN KAI in North East killed 70 terrorists combatants including three notable terrorist commanders during the operation.
The spokesman said the feat was recorded during a clearance Operation conducted by the troops to a renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle.
He said the three-pronged operation aimed at dismantling the terrorist presence at Timbuktu Triangle commenced on January 16.
Buba said: “Troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which resulted in over 70 terrorists combatants including three notable terrorist commanders neutralised.
“The terrorist commanders neutralised included and not limited to the following: TALHA (Terrorist Special Forces Commander), Mallam UMAR (Terrorist Operations commander) and ABU YAZEED (Terrorist Brigade Commander).”
He continued: “During the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Person Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks. “Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorist.
“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action. On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.
“On the whole, the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course.”
