Nigerian army continues advancement in Borno, 80 terrorists killed

 

                 Special Forces of the Nigerian Army yesterday routed hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists including foreign mercenaries who invaded Konduga town about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri with a view to setting up a camp and planning to attack Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. This resulted in the killing of more than 80 insurgents, the military said.

Also, indications have emerged that there was unease and grumbling in the military over a new directive said to be issued by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh suspending all military personnel from proceeding on annual leave, pass (excuse duty) and pilgrimages to either Mecca or Jerusalem.

However, Saturday Vanguard reliably gathered that scores of the insurgents who were taken aback that Nigerian soldiers stood their ground and returned heavy fire for same including artillery fire, took to their heels with many sustaining bullet wounds as shown by blood stains leading to the bush around the town.

After the fighting between the insurgents and troops, several dangerous weapons including Anti-Aircraft Guns, GPMGs, Global Positioning Systems, and 30 AK 47 rifles were recovered from the camp. Three Hilux jeeps mounted with automatic technical weapons were also recovered.

Confirming the development in a statement signed by Colonel Timothy Antigha, Army headquarters said, “At about 5.30 am today (yesterday), Boko Haram terrorists launched a massive attack on Konduga town, about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri.

 “After about three hours of fierce fighting, Nigerian troops routed the Boko Haram fighting force of over a hundred terrorists.

“Further to the staggering loss of men, Boko Haram also suffered extensive losses in equipment