BHT: Soldiers kill 2 terrorists; Destroy Observation Posts and Underground Food Storage Facilities.

 BHT: Soldiers kill 2 terrorists; Destroy Observation Posts and Underground Food Storage Facilities.

The Nigerian Army said yesterday that its troops prosecuting clearance operations of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East have discovered and cleared strategically positioned observation posts constructed on trees by the group for early warning information on troop’s movement even as underground food storage facilities were unearthed.

It was gathered that these sentries in the past assisted the terrorists to know when troops were approaching their hideouts, enabling them to organize ambushes that frustrated many attempts to clear out the hideouts.

However luck ran out for them following a double assault by the combined forces of the military in an unexpected dawn raid which finally led to the destruction of their hideouts.

A statement from Army headquarters signed by Col Sani Usman detailing the operation said, “On Saturday 16th April 2016, troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B and 22 Task Force Brigade conducted a simultaneous dawn raid on suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts at Biggoro, Warpaya and Aura, North of Kumshe in Bama Local Government Area.

“The essence of the operation was to stop the reported criminal activities of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the three villages.

“This became necessary as previous efforts were futile. The suspected terrorists kept coming in search for food, water and shelter.

“The surprised dawn attack yielded positive result as the troops discovered well concealed observation posts on trees in the villages constructed by the terrorists to give them early warning of troops movement or approach.

“In addition the troops found out that the observation posts though tree tops, were constructed in such a manner with chairs and ropes to pull up foods and other needs by the sentry without necessarily coming down the trees.

“To also save for the rainy day, the terrorists had underground food storage facilities where they stocked large quantity of foodstuffs.

“The troops killed 2 Boko Haram terrorists and also recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunitions.

“They also recovered 2 motorcycles from them. In addition they rescued 2 children from the terrorists.

Meanwhile the Nigeria Army at the weekend re-opened the Damaturu-Biu road which had been closed down for three years due to the activities of members of the Boko Haram sect.

Speaking while opening the road, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai said the road which is a major link between Yobe and southern Borno State, where most agricultural and economic activities in the area take place, was re-opened due to improved security in the area, and its socio-economic significance to Yobe and Borno States.

Describing the re-opening as another milestone in the collective resolve to end insurgency and fast -track the return of normalcy to the area, Buratai said, “Few weeks ago, the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road was re-opened.

“Road re-opening will continue in all other affected areas to ensure that law-abiding citizens go about their legitimate businesses while encouraging socio-economic activities to go on unhindered in this axis without fear of molestation or harm.

He said the Army will continue to protect lives and property of all law-abiding citizens plying the road, while urging returnees to provide timely information on elements of the Boko Haram, to security agents.

 He commended the troops for “their courage and untiring efforts towards securing the communities and nation” and urged the state government to call on contractors handling the road project to resume work.

END.