Boko Haram In Disarray, Nigerian Army Reports

The Nigerian Army has reported that displaced Boko Haram terrorists are in disarray, with a large number of them heading across some borders.

Fourteen of the terrorists were confirmed dead in encounters with Nigerian troops in various battles since yesterday, and three soldiers were also killed.

A statement today from Defence Headquarters in Abuja, signed by Brigadier General AC Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, said the militants were deserting their bases but making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics, including scores of vehicles.

“In the course of special forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensured since yesterday,” the statement said. “After a mop up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorist were confirmed dead, while 7 vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered.”

It added that 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled. “Altogether, 3 soldiers died, while 7 are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing.”

Full text of the statement: DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS MINISTRY OF DEFENCE P M B 309 GARKI - ABUJA

DHQ/ABJ/901/32/DDI l9 May 2013

PRESS RELEASE UP DATE: BATTLE AS TROOPS PURSUE TERRORIST

Troops have continued the advance and attack on identified terrorist camps in the Northern part of the country. Patrols are also ongoing to secure towns and villages from infiltration, while curfew on identified flash points are being enforced. Dislodged terrorist have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards various border. There bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in there holdings. In the course of special forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensured since yesterday. After a mop up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorist were confirmed dead, while, 7 vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered.

A total of 20 terrorist were apprehended as they fled. Altogether, 3 soldiers died, while 7 are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing. Meanwhile the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in front where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday. Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far.

The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harms way as much as possible.

Thank you for your usual cooperation.

AC OLUKOLADE Brigadier General Director Defence Information

Source: Legit.ng