Troops kill three bandits in Timbuktu — Nigeria — Headline News – Nigeria and world news
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Nigerian army troops have killed three bandits in the Timbuktu triangle in the Lake Chad region, while also recovering ammunition.
Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement on Friday that the military carried out the operation in coordination with mixed forces and parts of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Nwachukwu said the offensive operation was carried out on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, and the troops succeeded in overrunning the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist stronghold.
He added that a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck with anti-aircraft guns and a cache of arms and ammunition were recovered after intense fighting with the rebels.
“During the operation, the insurgents attacked the troops with vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), mortars, gun trucks and motorcycles,” Nwachukwu said.
“However, they were exposed to the overwhelming superior firepower of the army and were forced to abandon their disorganized fortifications, weapons and equipment.
“This operation is of great significance to the rebels as our brave troops neutralized three terrorists and recovered one MRAP, one gun truck, one Dushka machine gun, one AK47 rifle and one locally manufactured gun. It turned out to be a setback.”
The army spokesperson added that troops also captured one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bomb and 273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
They also captured one pump machine, 65 Dushka links, 48 general purpose machine gun links and three motorcycles.
According to Nwachukwu, the brave troops are now capitalizing on their gains by pursuing the routed rebels.
Meanwhile, in another operation, troops of the Nigerian Army conducted a combat patrol to a hideout of criminals at Katakpa village in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
During the operation, they neutralized one of the criminals and recovered two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action semi-automatic rifle, three AK-47 magazines and 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Mr Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taored Abiodun Lagbaja, praised the success of the operation.
Mr Lagbaja also called on them to remain resilient and maintain operational momentum.
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Source: guardian.ng