Abuja – The Nigerian Army on Tuesday recovered three Hilux vehicles mounted with machine and anti-aircraft guns, one Mowag Armoured Personnel Carrier and other assorted arms and ammunition from insurgents, a statement said.
The statement, issued by Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, the Director of Army Public Relations, on Wednesday, said the recovery was made when troops engaged the insurgents in a fight at Konduga, Borno.
Laleye said that the terrorists attacked Konduga on Tuesday night in an attempt to regain momentum they lost in the town but were denied the opportunity by vigilant and gallant troops.
“During the fight, several terrorists were killed and those fleeing Konduga with gunshot wounds are being pursued,’’ he said.
The army spokesman said that the troops morale and combat efficiency had remained high and added that further details about the engagement and supporting photographs were being awaited.
According to him, the renewed morale, fighting spirit and combat efficiency of troops have been boosted by new strategies devised by the armed forces and support of the public.
“Therefore, the Nigerian Army implores the public to continue to support the military and other security agencies engaged in the ongoing operation to rid Nigeria of blood-letting insurgents and ruthless religious extremists,’’ it said.
Meanwhile, Laleye has clarified that the “widely reported Boko Haram attack on troops along Okene-Kabba road in Kogi was clearly not a Boko Haram related incident.
“In reality, the incident was a case of armed robbery attack on troops of 322 Artillery Regiment who were travelling in seven Marcopolo buses to Kontagora for an engagement,’’ he said.
Laleye explained that the robbers mistook the soldiers for normal civilian travellers, who plied the route.
He said three soldiers, who sustained injuries during the robbery attack, were receiving appropriate medical care and would soon join their colleagues.
“Therefore, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its earlier warning on the danger of publishing unverified reports and attributing all criminal activities to Boko Haram terrorists.
“The inherent danger in this brand of journalism is that it heightens public fear, endangers public safety and creates the wrong impression that Boko Haram is everywhere,’’ he said. (NAN)
