Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in a failed ambush by the criminals in Kareto, a deserted community in Mobbar Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, around the Lake Chad region.
The terrorists had ambushed Nigerian troops of 145 Battalion, Damasak, located in Kareto, detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and immediately following it up with gunfire.
The Boko Haram fighters, however, got caught up in the detonated IED as several of them were killed by the explosion when troops carried out anti-ambush drills and outflanked the terrorists, opening fire on them while they were already devastated by the failed IED ambush.
Five of the terrorists were killed instantly by the explosion, while several others were neutralised in the gun battle that ensued, forcing some of them to flee with injuries.
Following the unsuccessful ambush, troops recovered one PKT automatic anti-aircraft machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 rifle magazines, a large quantity of 7.62mm ammunition, and two x 36 hand grenades.
Other items recovered included a Motorola battery, a power bank, a hand air motorcycle pump, a rifle butt, one motorcycle, 12 blankets, and a bundle of wires.
Meanwhile, two other terrorists were killed in Sassawa village, Yobe State, when combined troops of 233 Battalion of Sector 2 and Civilian Joint Task Force members came into direct contact with the terrorists during clearance operations.
A gunfight between the terrorists and the combined troops lasted several hours before the terrorists were forced to retreat in defeat after two of them were neutralised.
An AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the terrorist fighters.
The encounters happened on Monday night, with an unspecified number of soldiers killed in battle.
Condoling with the families of victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Oghogho Christopher Musa, said troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces deserve commendations from Nigerians for the sacrifices they make to keep the country secure.
The DEPOWA president spoke during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, to launch her pet project, “Thank You to our Troops”.
She said soldiers have laid down their lives for the safety and security of Nigeria, especially in the 16-year Boko Haram insurgency, which has left several families without breadwinners.
“I have therefore come, on behalf of DEPOWA, my sisters from NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, POWA, and the millions of grateful Nigerians who stand with us today, on a special mission, a mission of the heart, to say, in one unified voice: Thank you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your unshakable commitment to defending our nation.
“This is important because every day, across land, air, and sea, our troops stand watch over our sovereignty, our safety, and our freedom. They do this often at great personal cost, missing family milestones, enduring harsh conditions, and in many cases, making the ultimate sacrifice. This campaign is about telling them, clearly, loudly, and consistently, that we see them, we honour them, and we thank them,” the DEPOWA president told the gathering.
Mrs Musa had earlier visited wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Hospital in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, before launching the campaign.
“Before standing here today, I had the privilege, and the humbling duty, of visiting some of our fighting troops and wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, as well as the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, both here in Maiduguri.
“Over the next 12 months, we will take this message of gratitude across all regions, into communities, schools, marketplaces, media platforms, and public spaces. This is more than a campaign; it is a movement to bridge the gap between civilians and the military, and to engrave the spirit of gratitude in our national consciousness,” she added.
She then addressed widows and wives of soldiers before making donations of ₦200,000 each and presenting a grinding machine to 31 widows of fallen heroes.