We lost seven soldiers to Yobe attacks – Nigerian Army

Following the twin bomb blasts that hit Damaturu, the Yobe State capital in the early hours of Wednesday, the Nigerian Army have recounted their losses, saying it lost seven of its soldiers to the fatal attack.

The Nigerian Army said its combined efforts with the Air Force and other security agencies ensured it repelled the attempt to attack 120 Task Force Battalion troops located at Goniri, Yobe State.

“The fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in a great sign of desperation and to create an impression that they remain relevant, at the early hours of today made a futile attempt on 120 Task Force Battalion troops located at Goniri, Yobe State,”‎ Army spokesman, Sani Kukasheka Usman said in a statement made available to newsmen.

According to Sani, the Nigerian troops successfully repelled the attacked and “inflicted heavy casualty on the invading terrorists as all of them were killed.

“On the last count, over 100 terrorists bodies were seen. Unfortunately, however, seven of our gallant soldiers paid the supreme price while defending our fatherland, while one officer and eight soldiers were wounded in action.”

The Army spokesman said during the encounter, the troops recovered a sizeable arm, ammunitions and other equipment from the terrorists. These include one General Purpose Machine Gun, two Rocket Propelled Grenades, nine AK-47 rifles and belted rounds of 7.62 (NATO) ammunitions. Others were various wires used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), seven Primed IEDs, different types of Spanners and a Torch Light.

“The troops have consolidated on the encounter and more determined to defend their location and continued to serve as blocking force to any fleeing terrorists from the Nigerian Air Force aerial bombardments and other troops artillery fire.

In a related development, troops of 21 Brigade on fighting patrol from Bama to Ngurosoye said it has destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ camps along its axis.

“While on patrol, the brave soldiers came across some of the terrorists hideouts that also served as fabricating area for IEDs and the terrorists’ training area. Another patrol along Bama-Kawuri axis discovered and exhumed IEDs and wires for detonation.

The Nigerian Army reiterated that with the support of the Nigerian Air Force and other Security Agencies, it would not relent in its determined effort of defeating Boko Haram terrorists.