A move by a group of insurgents on a mission to attack Goniri Community in Gujba local government area of Yobe state has failed as they were ambushed by troops on patrol who were already alerted of their intention, the Defence Headquarters said yesterday.
In a statement, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, said that the troops were still in pursuit of the fleeing Boko Haram elements after the encounter which resulted in some casualties on both parties, adding that Goniri was not far from Buni Yadi where the terrorists killed school children recently.
He said: “Rockets and machine guns were freely used by the terrorists who eventually lost over 8 of their fighters, with several others wounded. Arms were also captured from the terrorists while others fled.
“The troops, however, lost a soldier while an officer was seriously wounded in the encounter.”
The director further said: “Meanwhile, troops operating around Gamboru, Ngala and Dikwa local government area towards the borders of Chad and Cameroun were throughout the weekend busy recovering weapons hidden by terrorists who were dislodged from the area.
“Assisted by captured terrorists, the troops were led to the sites where arms have been hidden in farms and cemeteries.
“The cordon and search of the entire area is still in progress.”
