Troops foil terrorist attacks in Borno, recover four bodies, weapons

By Ahmed Kaigama
 
Nigerian military has said its troops recovered four bodies of suspected terrorists, weapons and other items after they foiled terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Gajiram and Mairari in Borno State.

Two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a Qaid (commander) also surrendered to troops, Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Maiduguri said in a statement issued on Friday.
 
According to the statement, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area on Sept. 17 were detected early by troops, supported by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
 
It said troops adopted defensive measures, while the Air Component provided close air support, forcing the terrorists to withdraw into adjoining areas.
 
The statement added that ISWAP terrorists later attacked FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area but were repelled by troops with air support.
 
It said the engagement resulted in the recovery of four terrorists’ corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder.
 
It said some troops sustained injuries and were airlifted to hospital for treatment.
 
The statement said two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid, also surrendered to Sector 1 troops along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis in Bama on Sept. 16.
 
They surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and ammunition.
 
The Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops and urged terrorists to surrender through established channels.

(NAN)