Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to Operation Lafiya Dole have conducted clearance operations in three villages in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State , rescuing 31 women and children from the Boko Haram insurgents after a gun battle .

This is just as an Improvised Explosive Device planted by the terrorists killed an officer of the Nigerian Army in the Marte Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday .

The army said on Monday that the 31 persons abducted by the Boko Haram fighters were rescued in Mantari , Malam Masari and Gabchari villages and comprised 14 women and 17 children .

Military sources, who confirmed the death of the army officer , a Major , said he was attached to the 153 Task Force Battalion . The officer was reportedly leading a patrol in the area when the explosive went off .

The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col Aminu Iliyasu , said in a release that the troops recovered two AK – 47 rifles, magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7 .62mm special ammunition each, three unexploded mortar bombs, one IED battery , one camel bag and three motorcycles.

Iliyasu said, “ In an ambush operation conducted by the troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade at Darel Jamel , Bama LGA of Borno State , the troops neutralised one Boko Haram terrorist while several others escaped with gunshot injuries .

The troops also conducted a robust clearance operation and cleared Boko Haram criminals’ hideouts at Mantari, Malam Masari and Gabchari villages. During the operation , troops neutralised one Boko Haram criminal and rescued 31 persons, comprising 14 women and 17 children, from the insurgents .

“ Also in Ngala Gamboru area , a Boko Haram member , Abba Modu, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 3 Battalion . Preliminary investigation revealed that he joined the sect in 2015 and was a member of Mamman Nur group . He also disclosed that he actively participated in rustling cattle for the sect .”