100 Insurgents Killed As Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack On Maiduguri

Over 100 insurgents were said to have been killed by troops in Maiduguri yesterday, the NATION has learnt.

Sixteen civilians were feared dead and about 36 people injured.

Though the military was silent on the casualty figures, it merely said "the terrorists incurred massive casualties."

Nigerian troops and those of allied neighbours (Chad, Niger, and Cameroon) have also sacked the insurgents from Bama, Ngom, Alou, Delwa and Mafa in Borno State.

Troops were said to have engaged the insurgents for about eight hours to curtail their incursions into Maiduguri.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the breakthrough in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade.

"The terrorists attack on Maiduguri in the early hours of Sunday was quickly contained.

"The terrorists incurred massive casualties. The situation is calm as mopping up operation in the affected area is ongoing.

"The ongoing operation is in coordination with activities in the Multinational Joint Task. The terrorists are meant to be engaged in all fronts including their previous safe havens and hide outs in the region.

"It is in line with the arrangement for a comprehensive and coordinated military operation with inputs by military forces in the Lake Chad Basin Commission namely Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon."

A top military source, who spoke in confidence, said: "We are mopping up the operation in Maiduguri but over 100 insurgents were killed by troops. The figures could be higher at the end of the day. The insurgents suffered worst casualties because Operation No Mercy is on now against them.

"We are tackling them headlong to put the insurgency behind this nation. We are optimistic of winning the battle."

"Most of the encounters took place in the outskirts of Maiduguri. So, some innocent villagers were killed by the insurgents. About 16 civilians died and 36 others were injured.

The DHQ said Nigerian troops and those of allied neighbours (Chad, Niger, and Cameroon) have sacked the insurgents from Bama, Ngom, Alou, Delwa and Mafa in Borno State.

The forces have also recovered several weapons, arms and ammunition including two armoured tanks, two artillery guns and 17 Hilux vehicles.

The statement added: "The terrorists who in their disarray strayed towards Bama, Ngom, Alou, Delwa and Mafa in the night have now been effectively contained. Mopping up operation is ongoing.

"Several weapons, arms and ammunition including two armoured vehicles and two artillery guns as well as 17 Hilux vehicles have been captured from them. Several terrorists also died.

"The affected locations have been secured and soldiers wounded are being treated.

"Patrols and pursuit of fleeing terrorists is continuing in coordination with allied forces."