The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it has recovered three Hilux vehicles mounted with machine and anti-aircraft guns, one Mowag Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and other assorted arms and ammunition from the Boko Haram terrorists.
In a statement signed by Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, the director of its public relations, the Army said the recovery was made on Tuesday when Nigerian troops engaged the insurgents in a fight at Konduga, Borno State.
This was also confirmed by military spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, who announced on Wednesday that the troops successfully countered the insurgents for the second time in one week.
According to Laleye, the terrorists attacked Konduga on Tuesday night “in an attempt to regain the momentum they lost in the town,” but that they were denied the opportunity “by the vigilant and gallant troops.”
He said the renewed morale, fighting spirit and combat efficiency of the troops was boosted by new strategies devised by the Armed Forces and support of the public.
“During the fight, several terrorists were killed and those fleeing Konduga with gunshot wounds were being pursued,” he said.
He stated that he was still expecting details about the engagement and supporting photographs.
“Therefore, the Nigerian Army implores the public to continue to support the military and other security agencies engaged in the ongoing operation to rid Nigeria of blood-letting insurgents and ruthless religious extremists,” he added.
Laleye further clarified that the widely reported Boko Haram attack on troops along Okene-Kabba Road in Kogi, was clearly not a Boko Haram related incident, pointing out that “in reality, the incident was a case of armed robbery attack on troops of 322 Artillery Regiment who were travelling in seven Marcopolo buses to Kontagora for an engagement.”
He said the robbers had thought the soldiers were civilian travellers, who plied the route adding that the three soldiers who sustained injuries during the robbery attack were receiving appropriate medical care and would soon join their colleagues.
He said: “therefore, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its earlier warning on the danger of publishing unverified reports and attributing all criminal activities to Boko Haram terrorists.
“The inherent danger in this brand of journalism is that it heightens public fear, endangers public safety and creates the wrong impression that Boko Haram is everywhere.”
