Nigerian troops on Tuesday recorded a major success over Boko Haram terrorists, killing 42 of them and rescuing 80 women and children, the Nigerian Army said.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said late on Wednesday that the operation was launched “following confirmed intelligence report on the convergence and massing up of dislodged Boko Haram terrorists at Gangere village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, with intent of carrying out attack on some isolated communities.”

He said that, consequently, troops on fighting and clearance patrol Codenamed “Operation TIGER CLAW swooped on the terrorists. “During the ensuing operation, 42 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while unconfirmed number of the insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds,” Col. Usman said in a statement.

He added: “Similarly, 38 women and 42 children held captive were rescued from the insurgents. The women and children were taken to the military medical facility in Baga for checks. They were further assisted with food and clothing.

“The patrol team also recovered 504 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 162 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 Land Cruiser Jeep, 34 Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), while 55 Motorcycles were demobilised during the operation.

“The troops have continued to intensify vigilance and maintained high level of alertness. They are making concerted efforts to clear the remnants of the terrorists in their area of responsibilities.”

The Army Spokesman disclosed that in a related development, suspected Boko Haram elements in the early hours of Wednesday attacked Bakin Dutse community, Borno State, during which they killed one person and injured four others. “Unfortunately, they took to their heels on arrival of troops. The troops have continued to patrol the general area with the hope of finding and apprehending the attackers,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “Similarly, troops on routine patrol in order to secure and make Kumshe-Banki road open, were ambushed by 4 suspected Boko Haram terrorists. The troops engaged them and 3 of them died as a result of gunshot wounds. The lone survivor is currently being interrogated. It is heart-warming to state that he has been making very useful statements that are very revealing.”

•Photo shows Nigerian troops engaged in the war against Boko Haram.