Nigerian Army foils Boko Haram attack on IDP camp, kills 26

BY NDAHI MARAMA MAIDUGURI – 

Military troops have killed 26 suspected members of dreaded Boko Haram sect in an attempted failed attack on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno state. The IDP camp in Dikwa with a population of over 40,000 refugees has witnessed series of attacks by insurgents recently. Unfortunately, sources said, a soldier, civilian JTF member and some IDP members also lost their lives in the fresh encounter that took place in the early hours of Wednesday. File: IDPs in DikwaFile: IDPs in Dikwa In an email message to our Correspondent, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman said, “Following dislodgement of Boko Haram terrorists camps in the border towns of Kumshe and Talala by joint operations of Nigerian and Cameroonian forces, the terrorists made a futile attempt on Dikwa early today. Col. Usman said, from all indications, the terrorists aimed at causing havoc at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp located at Dikwa. However and unknown to the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, the Armed Forces Special Forces in blocking positions decisively dealt with the terrorists; killing many, recovered vehicle, arms and ammunitions. “Unfortunately, we lost a soldier and a member of the local vigilante (Civilian JTF) during the encounter, while 3 soldiers and 4 Internally Displaced Persons sustained injuries. A military vehicle was damaged by a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) suicide bomber. “The troops recovered 26 bodies of the Boko Haram terrorists, while others escaped with gun shot wounds, destroyed 3 VIED, 1 MBIED and 2 Gun trucks. The gallant troops recovered 1 Gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Dushka Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Browning Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tube. Others include 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 4 AK 47 Rifles, 3 RPG Bombs, 36 Hand Grenades, 1 Smoke Grenade and 8 AK-47 rifles magazines. “The troops also recovered 236 rounds of 12.7mm ammunitions, 396 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions and 101 rounds of 762mm (Special), ammunitions. The casualties have seen been evacuated while the troops have been pursuing those terrorists that escaped with gunshot wounds”. The statement added. The Army Spokesman stated that it is encouraging to note that despite loss of colleague and the vigilante, the troops have maintain dominating presence in the general area and poised to continue to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists. End