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) -