… Troops Seize Boko Haram Weapons in Fierce Borno Clash
By Sadeeq Kamsela, Abuja
Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have killed dozens of Boko Haram terrorists in a failed improvised explosive device (IED) ambush along the Maiduguri–Kareto–Damasak highway in Borno State, Nigeria.
Security sources said the attack happened on Monday, but poor telecommunications delayed reports. Fighters from Boko Haram detonated an IED and opened fire on soldiers of the 145 Battalion, Damasak, Sector 3.
The troops quickly executed anti-ambush manoeuvres, outflanked the insurgents, and neutralised many of them.
Recovered from the scene were a PKT anti-aircraft machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines, large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition, two grenades, a motorcycle, blankets, communication devices, and other items.
In a separate operation, soldiers from the 233 Battalion and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) clashed with Boko Haram fighters in Sassawa, Yobe State. Two terrorists were killed, and an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other equipment were seized.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, has reiterated that terrorists attacked Kirawa in Borno State last Saturday, burning houses and forcing residents to flee into Kerawa, Cameroon.
He claims operational vehicles and property were destroyed, contradicting OPHK Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who insists only Cameroonian troops were targeted.
Kirawa in Nigeria and Kerawa in Cameroon are separated by a narrow river, creating confusion over the exact location and victims of the attack.
