December 04, (THEWILL) – Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Friday neutralized scores of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who infiltrated Kala Balge town.
The terrorists reportedly arrived mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the terrorists attacked troops deployed at the Forward Operational Base (FOB) Rann, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon.
According to him, troops gallantly engaged the maurading terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and withdrew in disarray.
The statement said in the fierce battle for Kala Balge, troops defended the town and neutralized 26 BH/ISWAP terrorists.
According to the statement, the gallant troops also captured terrorists’ combat vehicles, 18 AK 47 rifles and one M-21 rifle with large quantity of ammunition, just as several other equipment were also destroyed by troops.
“Regrettably, two officers and five soldiers paid the supreme price, while three personnel who sustained gun shot wounds are currently receiving medical attention”, the statement said.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has paid tribute to the departed heroes, who paid the supreme price in defending their fatherland.
He has also commended the troops for their gallantry in the North East, especially with the recent successes recorded in Gajiram and the Tumbus.
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