The Nigerian Army have lost two soldiers this week even as it continued to make gains in the war against terrorism in the country’s North-East. One of the casualties was a soldier who was wounded during an offensive operation on Tuesday by 21 Brigade. “We regret to inform you that he died this morning,” Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said yesterday in a statement.

“The 22 Brigade, on its part, has conducted clearance operations in which it cleared 4 towns and villages of Boko Haram terrorists. In the process, they killed 3 Boko Haram terrorists, while 9 of them that hid in a fox holes and dug outs were found out and captured. The troops also recovered weapons and rescued 400 persons held hostages by the terrorists. This is in addition to the recovery and handing over of 300 cows rustled by the terrorists,” Col. Usman said.

He, however, had another bad news: “Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, troops of 3 Battalion convoy from Dikwa to Gamboru Ngala unknowingly stepped on series of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) buried by suspected Boko Haram terrorists between Gajibo and Logomani. Sadly, we lost a soldier, while 4 other soldiers and a civilian vigilante sustained injuries. The body of the late gallant soldier and those injured have since evacuated.”

On the positive side, the Army Spokesman said: “Similarly, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion on blocking position near Gibiye, intercepted fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in a pick-up van and on 3 motorcycles. They engaged them, killing 3 terrorists and recovered the van and the motorcycles.

“In a related development, as part of signs that people are now safe and comfortable with the efforts of the military in ensuring security in the North East, 26 vehicles conveying 398 returnee internally displaced persons and residents of Gwoza arrived Gwoza in preparations for resettlement in their various communities on Monday.

“Troops of 26 Task Force Brigade also ambushed Boko Haram terrorists yesterday at Uvaha, killing some of them and wounding others. The troops recovered a bicycle, 1 bag of baobab powder, submersible pump and 1 bag of carbide suspected to be for IED making.

”Troops of 114 Task Force Battalion also rescued 72 persons held hostage by the terrorists in Jaje and Mayor Ali.”

According to Col. Usman, in all locations, the morale and fighting spirit of troops “remains very high, more so as the Chief of Defence Staff as well as the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Air Staff have visited the theatre of operation on Monday 2nd May 2016.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, stayed back and visited troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Bama and Banki junction today.”