At least five suspected Boko Haram terrorists were gunned down on Thursday and 63 people held captive by the militants were rescued, the Nigerian Army said in a statement.
“Today, Army Headquarters Special Forces Team B, 7 Division Garrison, conducted fighting patrol in which they cleared Boko Haram terrorists hideout at Lawin Meleri, Matiri Bulaka and Aljeri villages.
“During the operation, they killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists and also rescued 63 persons held captives by the terrorists,” said a statement by Army spokesman Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman.
Colonel Usman said the troops recovered a Dane gun and a Light Machine Gun Bipod Stand and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device enroute.
He said the Nigerian troops also destroyed Haram spiritual power base at the Alagarno forest in Borno State.
“In continuation of their offensive clearance operations of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, today (Thursday) troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion of 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army, demystified Boko Haram terrorists spiritual power base at the Alagarno forest, Borno State.
“The troops based on tip off, conducted a clearance operation around Alagarno forest general area, destroying terrorists camps at Mosa, Ariwuzumari and Kagalmari, as well as Missene, Joba, Yajiwa and Sansan.
“During the operations, the troops were able to clear all the camps, killing quite a number of terrorists and recovered Boko Haram terrorists flags hoisted on some premises, destroyed their logistics base and recovered 31 motorcycles, assorted foodstuffs, a donkey and a pick up van, AK-45 rifle with registration number 17714 and a Dane gun.
“Other items recovered include 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, 4 loaded magazines of AK-47 rifles and 2 magazines pack,” Colonel Usman said.