Three soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole lost their lives while successfully fighting to repel Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Rann in eight gun trucks on Tuesday, the army has said.

Army spokesperson, Colonel Ado Isa in a statement on Thursday noted that the soldiers lost their lives while fighting to “hold the ground”.

He however,noted that two suicide bombers were neutralised while three others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Below is a statement as released by the army spokesman.

“The Theatre Commander (TC) Major General Benson Akinroluyo and the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu on Wednesday 16 January 2019 conducted a long range confidence building patrol, assessment and re-assurance visit along Mafa, Dikwa, Logomani, Gamboru Ngala and Rann to check the operational readiness and situations within 22 Brigade general area of deployment.

“General Bulama met and interacted with community members in Rann Internally Displaced Persons Camp which was attacked by members of the Boko Haram Terrorist who came in about 8 Gun Trucks and several Motor Cycles on 15 January 2019. The Terrorist burnt some parts of the village and parts of the NGO stores and looted some items. He gave the IDPs his assurance that security within their area will be strengthen and therefore urged them to continue to support the military operation by giving information and identifying strange persons of questionable character. He enjoined them to go about their normal activities and remain vigilant.”

•Excerpted from a Channels TV report