The Nigerian Army on Monday disclosed that the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole on Sunday night inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to invade Dikwa town in Borno State.
The development was confirmed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement released in Abuja.
Yerima in the statement noted that the military officers who were stationed at Dikwa and Gulumba Gana, supported by the Air Component, engaged the terrorists who mounted on 12 gun trucks in their numbers.
The Army spokesman further stated that the attack happened while the locals were preparing to break their Ramadan fast for the day.
He added that the troops having contained the attack had to occupy the alternative Headquarters at Gulumba Gana to enable the Air Component engage any gun trucks and other technicals in the vicinity of the attack to prevent fratricide.
“The troops launched a counter-attack in the early hours of Monday, April 19 and successfully reoccupied their main headquarters in Dikwa.
“The retreating terrorists suffered heavy losses in both equipment and personnel including some of their key leaders from the superior fire power of own troops both from the air and ground forces.
“The troops are currently patrolling Dikwa town and environs to assess the level of damage inflicted on the terrorists,” he said
Yerima noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, commended the troops for their response and directed them to restrategise with a view to preventing further attacks in the area.
He assured that the Nigerian Army would remain committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment throughout the Northeast.
Meanwhile, some soldiers linked to the crack down on Boko Haram sponsors have revealed the identities of their civilian collaborators, according to sources.
The military officers were apprehended following an investigation into connections between Boko Haram insurgents and military officers that help the terrorists infiltrate into the army and sabotage efforts to end insurgency in Nigeria.