By: Kingsley Omonobi-Abuja.
The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that three soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole lost their lives while successfully fighting to repel Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Rann in eight gun trucks on Tuesday.
The Army also said troops successfully foiled an attempt on Wednesday by scores of Boko Haram terrorists to infiltrate Gajiram community on Wednesday night.[color=#990000][/color]
President Buhari interacts with troops of HQ 1 BDE in Dansadau Zamfara State as part of the 2016 Nigerian Army Day celebration on 13th July 2016
It said, “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Forward Operational Base in Gajiram, have fiercely countered a group of Boko Haram terrorists who made frantic attempt to infiltrate Gajiram Community on Tuesday 15 January 2019.
“The terrorists, wanting to take advantage of the cover of darkness to attack the town, met with the prompt response of the vigilant troops who fiercely engaged them in combat killing several and re-covering weapons.
“During the encounter, troops recovered 1 Ak 47 rifle, 2 Ak 47 Magazines, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 3 Rocket Propelled Grenade bombs, 4 Bomb Chargers, and Light Machine Gun Belt Links.
A statement by Col Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations said “The gallant troops are currently on the trail of some of the terrorists survivors who fled the scene of the encounterâ€.
Meanwhile, “The Theatre Commander (TC) Major General Benson Akinroluyo and the Acting General Officer Commanding(GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu on Wednesday 16 January 2019 conducted a long range confidence building patrol, assessment and re-assurance visit along Mafa, Dikwa, Logomani, Gamboru Ngala and Rann to check the operational readiness and situations within 22 Brigade general area of deployment.
General Bulama met and interacted with community members in Rann Internally Displaced Persons Camp which was attacked by members of the Boko Haram Terrorist who came in about 8 Gun Trucks and several Motor Cycles on 15 January 2019.
Boko Haram: Take the fight to them
The Terrorist burnt some parts of the village and parts of the NGO stores and looted some items.
He gave the IDPs his assurance that security within their area will be strengthen and therefore urged them to continue to support the military operation by giving information and identifying strange persons of questionable character.
He enjoined them to go about their normal activities and remain vigillant.
Similarly, the GOC also met and discussed with members of the Multinational Joint Task Force deployed at Gamboru Ngala, appreciating them for their effort and commitment over time in the fight against insurgency.
He asked them to maintain the existing synergy with the Nigerian troops deployed along the border in order to deny the insurgence freedom of operation within the area.
He commended their swift and proactive response in the cconduct of joint operation
In his address to troops of 3 Battalion Bravo Company deployed in the area, he commended their resilience and doggedness while fighting to hold the ground and neutralising 2 Suicide bombers killed 3 with others escaping with gun shot wounds, an act which he described as a sign of professional competence, commitment and sacrifice to humanity and to the nation.
He added that they have performed remarkably well and further encourage them to maintain high standard of alertness, vigilance and remain firm and steadfast through proactive conduct of clearance and confidence building patrols in order to dominate the general area and most importantly taking the fight to their enclaves.
Regrettably 3 soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice
Consequently, the TC and the GOC both replenished the troops with more ammunitions, uniforms, fragmental jackets and other Logistics support to boost their morale.
A statement by Col Ado Isa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations said he also reassured them of the Chief of Army Staff’ continued commitment to their safety and welfare.
Other members of the patrol teams were Formation Commanders as well as some Principal Staff Officers within Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army.
Thousands flee deadly Boko Haram attack in NE Nigeria
Source:
www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/3-soldiers-terrorists-killed-as-troops-foil-boko-haram-attack/
