 |
| Soldiers displaying one of the armoured vehicles recovered from insurgents in Maiduguri,after repelling an attack in Konduga, Headquarters of Konduga LGA of Borno State |
No fewer than 200 members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, were reportedly killed, yesterday, in a battle with soldiers of 7 Division, Nigerian Army when the sect members in their hundreds attempted to launch attack on Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Also, more than six vehicles including an armoured tank with Arabic inscription; Rocket-Propelled Launchers, anti-aircraft guns, assorted number of AK-47 rifles with ammunition were recovered from the terrorists by the troops.
Konduga is South-east and about 42 kilometres drive from Maiduguri, the state capital which had witnessed series of deadly attacks in the past. Last Friday, more than 100 insurgents, who attempted to invade the town, were killed by the troops in a gun battle before seizing many of their vehicles, arms and ammunition.
A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye said: “In an attempt to regain the momentum they lost in Konduga last week, Boko Haram terrorists again attacked Konduga on Tuesday night. However, the terrorists were denied their objective by vigilant and gallant Nigerian Army troops. During the fight, several terrorists were killed and those fleeing Konduga with gunshot wounds were being pursued.
“Also, three Hilux vehicles with mounted machine and anti-aircraft guns, one Mowag Armoured Personnel Carrier and assorted arms and ammunition have been recovered.
“Troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high. Further details about the engagement are being awaited. It must be noted that the renewed morale, fighting spirit and combat efficiency of troops have been boosted by new strategies devised by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the support of well meaning members of the public.
“Therefore, the Nigerian Army implores the public to continue to support the military and other security agencies engaged in the on-going operation to rid Nigeria of blood-letting insurgents and ruthless religious extremists.”
It was learnt that the incident started at about 6pm on Tuesday, just some few minutes after traders had closed from their businesses at the Konduga Main Market.
The Konduga attack
A resident of Konduga, who is also a member of civilian JTF, Mallam Ali Usman Bulama told Chat212 that hundreds of dead bodies of the attackers still littered the streets and bushes around Konduga as at yesterday, while many of them fled into Sambisa Forest with bullet wounds.
Another civilian JTF member in one of the sector commands in Maiduguri, Abubakar Babagana said: “When I was at my duty post/checkpoint, I saw our soldiers bringing in many vehicles and other items seized from the terrorists in Konduga attack today (yesterday)”.
Also, dozens of suspected insurgents that laid ambush for motorists and passengers along Maiduguri-Potiskum- Kano road, yesterday, met their waterloo when the detachment of troops along that route engaged them. Many were killed, while several others fled with bullet wounds.
Meanwhile, Defence spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade in a text message to Chat212 on the update on Konduga raid said: “Konduga is still under attack again now at 6:24pm. Currently, troops are engaging another large number of heavily armed terrorists trying to enter the town. The troops are determined to frustrate the desperate efforts of terrorists against Konduga.”
