Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have dealt crippling blow on Boko Haram Terrorists in the North-east, immobilizing a gun truck at Gorgi in Borno state, killing thousands of insurgents as a result.
However, Nigerian troops suffered casualties as a result of an alleged informant in an ambushed attack on the logistic tail on a consolidation mission carrying supplies like fuel, ammunitions and other essentials which led to the deaths of scores of troops.
The coordinator Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen. John Enenche who stated this at a press conference in Abuja Tuesday, said suspected local informants were alleged to have leaked movements of Nigerian troops to Boko Haram terrorists after a successful military operation in Alagarno axis of Borno state.
He said the attack on the trucks triggered massive explosions that led to the death of gallant troops of the Nigerian military, adding that the bodies of the fallen heroes have been evacuated to a hospital in Maiduguri while the injured are receiving treatment.
Speaking further he said: “Between 21 and 23 March 2020, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno state which successfully done. However during consolidation they were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists.
“Sadly, we suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack. However the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled immediately and provided Close Air Support to the ground troops. While the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform as well as the fighter jets engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists immobilising killing some of the terrorists and immobilizing a gun truck. Some others who attempted to withdraw, were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks”.
He further condoled with families of the troops while assuring Nigerians that the Nigeria military is committed to restoring peace in all parts of the country facing security challenges.
“The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation,” he said.
