Massive Onslaught against Boko Haram in Borno, Yobe

Nigerian Army

                                            

The Nigerian Army on Thursday launched a massive air and ground onslaught against Boko Haram in Borno killing 74 insurgents and destroying the deadly sect's camp in Galangi and Kawanti villages. But in neighbouring Yobe State, members of the sect launched surprise attacks on Damaturu, the state capital, and engaged the military in gun duels for several hours, forcing the imposition of 24 hour curfew on the state by the Army. The military confirmed that 21 members of the sect were killed in Yobe, bringing the total number of casualties suffered by the sect in both states to 95.

The spokesman of 3 Division, Special Operation Battalion, Capt. Eli Lazarus, in a statement said: "At about 5.30pm Wednesday 24, October 2013, gunmen in large number suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists attacked a military checkpoint close to NNPC Mega Station along Maiduguri-Damaturu Road. Troops of 3 Division Special Operation Battalion had fierce encounter with the terrorist in various parts of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, for several hours.

"Twenty one of the terrorist were killed during the encounter while three of their vehicles were recovered."

He said items recovered include four AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one rocket propel grenade, and one rocket grenade bomb (RPG).