5 soldiers, scores of terrorists killed in Boko Haram ambush

Following continued air and land strikes on Boko Haram terrorists in the hills and forests of the North-East, an officer of the Nigerian Army and four soldiers have been killed in an ambush by the terrorists, while scores of the sect members were killed in the shootout that ensued.

The death of the soldiers came just as a distress call from indigenes indicating a planned attack, saved some communities around the Lake Chad Basin from being over run by the terrorists.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said: “A timely distress call has saved communities besieged by the terrorists in search of food around the Lake Chad area.

“The terrorists, who were said to be heavily armed, scampered for safety on sensing the approach of troops. The troops of the Multi National Joint Task Force on patrol of the area have so far recovered some arms and ammunition left behind by fleeing terrorists.

“Cordon and search of the area is continuing with a view to apprehending any of the terrorists that could be lurking around.
“Meanwhile, the assault on terrorists’ enclaves in Sambisa forests and surrounding locations is continuing. Operational activities around Wala, Gwoza, Pulka and environs have been intensified.

“Encounters resulting from air and land strikes and an ambush of troops on patrols in the area have resulted in the death of scores of terrorists and loss of five soldiers, including an officer.”