ARMY RESCUES 5,000 HOSTAGES FROM BOKO HARAM

Troops of the 21 Brigade and members of the Civilian JTF yesterday conducted a fighting patrol in Zangebe, Maiwa, Algaiti and Mainari villages in Borno State, following which they killed six Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others.

The troops also liberated over 5,000 persons held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists and recovered five motorcycles and similar number of bicycles.

A statement by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said: “Troops of the 7 Division Garrison Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) II, in conjunction with some of elements of the Mobile Police Force and Civilian JTF on Sunday also conducted Boko Haram terrorists clearance operations at Masu Yiwa, Ladin Buta, Bazaka, Kesa Gala, Tabla, Fahinde, Shirori, Gizina, Maska Aribe, Maska and Maska Lawanti villages, all in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

“During the clearance operations, the troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Maska Lawanti, killed two terrorists and recovered two motorcycles.

“Unfortunately, we lost one Civilian JTF member, while a soldier and one mobile policeman were wounded in action. The body of the heroic Civilian JTF and the wounded soldier and his police counterpart have since been evacuated to Maiduguri.”

The army commiserated with the families of the departed Civilian JTF member, adding that the wounded were in stable condition and responding to treatment.

It also stated that troops of the 192 Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade and some vigilantes embarked on fighting patrol along Kusarha-Zalidava general area yesterday.

“The patrol team encountered some Boko Haram elements around Zalidava-Weige villages in which they killed two Boko Haram terrorists and recovered one general purpose machine gun (GPMG) with registration number FN 132125, a belt of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition containing 42 rounds.

“Sadly, one of the vigilantes sustained an injury in his eye. However, he is getting better,” Usman said.