Capture foreign mercenaries
Soldiers have cleared and taken over Balmo Forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend.
Blueprint reports that Balmo Forest stretches from Bauchi through Jigawa state with links to the fringes of the famous Sambisa Forest being used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching their deadly attacks.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out, while some were captured during the operation.
The statement said amongst those captured were two foreigners, suspected to be mercenaries.
Also captured, it added, were several weapons and equipment, including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils.
In another development, over 44 terrorists have died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities following an encounter with soldiers who repelled their attack on the communities.
Armed with IEDs and other high calibre weapons, a large number of terrorists had carried out a pre-dawn attack on the communities, but met with stiff resistance of the troops.
During the operation, several of them were captured as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibres.
Meanwhile, soldiers on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno state during the weekend fought through an ambush laid by terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.
Altogether, a total of six soldiers were lost in the said encounters with terrorists, while those wounded “are receiving treatment.”
