The move by members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to attack Goniri Community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State yesterday failed as they were ambushed by troops who had received intelligence on their mission. Goniri is few kilometres away from Buni Yadi where the terrorists killed dozens of teenage students on February 25.
A statement issued Monday night by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, said troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists' elements after the encounter which resulted in some casualties on both parties.
As stated by him, rockets and machine guns were freely used by the insurgents who eventually lost over eight of their fighters with several others wounded.
He disclosed that arms were also recovered from the terrorists while others fled. However, the troops lost a soldier while an officer was seriously wounded in the encounter.
Meanwhile, security forces operating around Gamboru, Ngala and Dikwa Local Government Area towards the borders of Chad and Cameroun were throughout the weekend busy recovering weapons hidden by militants earlier dislodged from the area.
Assisted by captured terrorists, the troops were led to the sites where the sect stock-piled arms in farms and cemeteries.
Olukolade, Coordinator of Joint Security Information Committee, added that cordod search of the entire area was still in progress.