By Chimezie Godfrey
The troops of Operation Fire Ball in a recent encounter have neutralized some Boko Haram terrorists, apprehended an Improvised Explosive Device maker, and recovered arms and ammunition in the North-Eastern region of the country.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko.
Onyeuko revealed that troops have recorded outstanding successes in their clearance operations to stamp out remnants of the terrorists and other criminal elements in the North-East zone of the country.
He said,”The troops of Operation FIRE BALL in continuation of aggressive clearance operation to stamp out the remnants of the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Terrorists in their identified enclaves in the North East region have continued to record more successes.
“On 11 November 2020, troops of 151 Battalion deployed in Special Response Area Miyanti acting on credible intelligence embarked on an aggressive Fighting Patrol to clear Boko Haram elements in their hideout in the general area of Ladantar Village.
“Expectedly, the gallant troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with an overwhelming firepower forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.
“Nevertheless, the unrelenting troops gave hot pursuit and inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists.
“In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, 2 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were neutralized and one terrorist Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert was captured. Also, equipment captured includes one Box of Service Tools, one Gas Cylinder suspected to be for making IED.”
Onyeuko also disclosed that in another development, troops of Army Super Camp 19 Bitta came under attack from an unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the heavily fortified camp.
According to him, the eagle-eyed troops who were at high alert repelled the criminals with superior firepower forcing them to withdraw in disarray as bloodstains littered along their escape paths.
Onyeuko further revealed that on 8 November 2020, troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison deployed in Gwoza observed Boko Haram criminals advancing to their location in 4 gun trucks and an unconfirmed number of foot soldiers.
According to him, the gallant troops engaged the marauding criminals with heavy firepower neutralizing one suicide bomber while others flee in utmost confusion.
He added that on 8 November 2020, troops of 192 Battalion deployed in Gwoza also foiled an attempted attack on their location.
According to him, after the brief encounter, the criminals escaped with gunshot wounds as traces of blood of dragged casualties were seen during exploitation.
He said that the valiant troops captured one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle Cover, 4 rounds of Light Machine Gun, 15 rounds of Fabricated 7.62mm, one AK 47 Rifle magazine, 2 rounds of Brownie Machine Gun, 7.62mm links and one Dane Gun.
Others include 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade bombs and 66 rounds of PKT.
Onueuko commended the troops of Operation Fire Ball for their resilience, gallantry, and professionalism exhibited since the beginning of the Operation.
He urged them not to rest on their oars but build on the successes recorded so far.
He assured the entire populace of the North East region of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of BHT/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in this zone.
