By Kingsley Omonobi [Vanguard] –Abuja: The Nigerian Army said last night that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in their numbers attacked troops location at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State and that, after a heavy gunfire confrontation, 16 of the terrorists were killed.
A statement by Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, said, “The terrorists came with motorcycles borne improvised explosive devices (MCBIED), anti-aircraft guns and other weapons at about 5.00pm and the exchange of fire lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by the troops firepower.
“Unfortunately, one of the suicide bombers detonated himself at a gun truck, killing the driver and the gunner. “The truck and the mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs. In addition, two soldiers were wounded in action while three others sustained minor injuries.
“The troops killed seven of the attackers instantly while quite a number escaped with gunshot wounds. “During clearance operations this morning, the troops discovered nine more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the surrounding areas. Therefore the total number of terrorists killed was 16.
“The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured two of the terrorists alive. “The bodies of the two fallen heroes and the wounded in action soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while reinforcement was sent from Gomboru Ngala”.