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Key Boko Haram leaders killed in air strikes in Borno, says DHQ

.Troops overpower terrorists in Geidam

The Defence Headquarters said on Monday that several key Boko Haram terrorists/ISWAP leaders were killed and their structures destroyed in air strikes conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE at Durbada in Borno State.

The Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, who disclosed this in a statement said the operation was executed on April 17, 2020.

He said that Durbada was hit following credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports, which were confirmed by series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, indicating that the settlement was one of the locations where some of the terrorists’ hierarchy often hibernate.

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“Fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force took turns in attacking the location scoring accurate hits within the target area which resulted in the death of some of the terrorists. Others, who were seen attempting to flee the area, were taken out in follow-on attacks.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East, will sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation”, he stated.

In a related development, Nigerian Army troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have again subdued the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in an attempt to attack Geidam in Yobe State on Monday afternoon.

Geidam town is the Headquarters of Geidam Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out by the troops of 159 Battalion in Sector 2 in conjunction with the Air Task Force of OPLD who swiftly intercepted and engaged the insurgents in fierce exchange of fire.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the terrorists were forced to retreat into different locations in the bushes while troops continued in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.

According to a reliable source, 13 terrorists have so far been neutralised, while two gun trucks with Dushkha Guns, six AK 47 rifles were captured.

 “At the moment, the terrorists have been subdued, situation in Geidam town and environs has been normalized and troops are currently on a follow up/exploitation operation.

“There is no casualty or loss of equipment on the part of our gallant troops.”

The source added that additional details would be communicated as events unfolds.

Some locals, who pleaded anonymity, commended the gallantry of the troops for being proactive in dealing with the criminals.

This development was coming less than 48 hours after the troops dealt another deadly blow to the terrorists killing about 105 of them in Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of the state.

This is in continuation of the renewed unslaught launched by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to hand the terrorists the long awaited final defeat.

Buratai has since relocated to the North East theatre of operation where he has continued to show leadership in the fight against terrorism.

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Ihesiulo Grace

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