Nigerian Army said that 14 soldiers and police personnel have been killed during a fierce gun battle Boko Haram terrorists on Christmas evening, along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
According to the statement signed and released on Tuesday by Col Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the Boko Haram terrorists laid an ambush for the troops but they fought their way through, killing many of the terrorists.
The statement reads:
“Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole on Monday 24th December 2018 repelled a Boko Haram terrorists’ attack on a Forward Operational Base at Kukareta in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe state.
“The terrorists who attacked the location at about 6. 30 pm met with prompt and fierce response of the vigilant troops who engaged and overpowered them, killing several of the terrorists.
“Unfortunately however, a soldier was wounded in the encounter.
“In another encounter, troops of 1 Division on escort duty along Damaturu – Maiduguri road yesterday fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists.
“The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a fire fight, courageously wading through the ambush.
“Sadly, thirteen military and a police personnel including a Police officer, paid the supreme price while extricating themselves from the ambush.
“A clearance Operation to pursue and eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists ambush party is still ongoing.
“The bodies of the gallant soldiers and the policeman and the wounded have been evacuated.
“The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment”.
