By Iloh Mmesoma
The Nigerian Army on Thursday confirmed the killing of 42 Boko Haram insurgents during a mass raid at Garere village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
This was made known by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to him, 80 hostages comprising 38 women and 42 children were rescued during the operation. The operation which took place on Tuesday evening was followed by a tip off on the camping of the insurgents in the area.
The patrol team also recovered 504 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition; 162 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition; one Land Cruiser Jeep; 34 Jerry cans of PMS and AGO.
“The operation tagged “Operation TIGER CLAW” followed a confirmed intelligence report on the convergence and massing up of dislodged Boko Haram terrorists at Garere village in Kukawa.
Usman also stated that the insurgents were planning an attack on isolated areas in the community.
” The intent was to carry out attacks on some isolated communities but troops on fighting and clearance patrol Code-named “Operation TIGER CLAW” on Tuesday swooped on the terrorists.
“During the operation, 42 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while unconfirmed number of the insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds.
The spokesman however disclosed that the women and children were taken to a military health facility for checks disclosing that intense vigilance and pressure is being mounted on the insurgents in that area.