The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, claimed that it killed 20 Boko Haram and captured 17 others in the ongoing operation Deep Punch 2, an initiative to rid the Lake Chad Basin of remnants of terrorists. The operation is being led by troops of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
This was disclosed in a statement issued Deputy Director Public Relations (8 Division Nigerian Army), Colonel Timothy Antigha. According to the statement issued in Maiduguri, over 100 elderly men, women and children were also rescued from Boko Haram captivity.
"In continuation of Operation Deep Punch, designed to smoke out Boko Haram terrorists inhabiting remote islands in Lake Chad basin lying within Nigerian territory, troops of 8 Division, Nigerian Army on Operation Lafiya Dole, supported by soldiers of the Armed Forces Strike Group, have inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram terrorists.
"The operation, which commenced about two weeks ago was preceded by coordinated air and artillery bombardment of islands and localities occupied by terrorists, and from where they sneak into Magumeri, Kauram and other locations to loot property and attack security personnel and villagers. Islands and villages cleared so far include Arena Chiki, Chikun Gudu, Arena Waje, Sa'ada and Juwe among others," the statement said.
It added that 20 terrorists were killed, with 17 captured, while over 100 elderly men, women and children were rescued, disclosed the Army.
The statement also said the terrorists abandoned three trucks, assorted equipment, arms and ammunition as a result of the Army offensive.
The operation, which is ongoing, said the statement, has resulted in the recovery of one Mercedes Benz truck, two Toyota Land Cruiser gun trucks, two Toyota Hilux Pick-up vans, one Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun, five AK-47 rifles, three Fabrique Nationals (FN) rifles, two G3 rifles and one Pump Action rifle. Other items recovered include one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, two bombs, two Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and one night vision goggle.
In addition, the troops also recovered 55 Rounds of 5.56 X 45mm ammunition, five Bangalore Torpedo, two 120mm mortar bombs, 1000 rounds of 7.62mm ball metal link ammunition, 55 Rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 108 Rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition with links as well as two memory cards, two hydraulic jacks and a 1.5 Amp Battery.
The statement further disclosed that no soldier was killed, but six suffered injuries.
"It is heartwarming to note we have not lost no life so far. However, six soldiers sustained injuries and have since been evacuated for prompt medical attention," said the Army.