The Defence Headquarters said
yesterday that scores of insurgents died when troops broke through an ambush in
Delwa, Borno State.
It also confirmed that three soldiers
were killed and seven others injured in clashes with Boko Haram insurgents.
The report of the fierce battle came
on a day the Army raised a seven-man General Court Martial (GCM) to try 18
soldiers.
The GCM, constituted by Commander,
Army Headquarter Garrison, Maj.-Gen. B.T Ndiomu, is headed by Brig-Gen. C.C
Okonkwo.
The DHQ broke the news in a statement
on its twitter handle.
The statement said: “Troops on patrol
around Delwa and neighbouring communities on Wednesday successfully broke
through insurgents’ ambush 35kilometres to Maiduguri as they advanced to
dislodge insurgents who were massing up in the area.
“The fierce fire fight that ensued as
the troops waded through the ambush left scores of insurgents dead, while three
soldiers died in action.
“Seven soldiers, who incurred various
degrees of injuries have been evacuated for treatment while the troops have
continued with their mission.”
A top military source said troops
were trailing some of the fleeing insurgents, who were injured in the
encounters.
“The insurgents have resorted to
ambush tactics but we are up to their antics. That was how they killed a
Lieutenant Colonel despite the fact that he was from that axis,” the source
said.
The ongoing combing of Balmo Forest
by troops has, however, led to the recovery of a huge cache of arms and
ammunition.
A top military source, who spoke in
confidence, said: “The type of arms and ammunition dug out in Balmo Forest
confirmed intelligence gathering that it could be a transit camp for Boko Haram
members to Sambisa Forest.
“The place looks like Boko Haram
armoury because sophisticated arms were recovered. Troops are still mopping up
the forest.”
The Army has raised a seven-man
General Court Martial (GCM) to try 18 soldiers for alleged mutiny in Maimalari
Cantonment, Maiduguri in May.
The soldiers revolted against a
former GOC of the 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Ahmadu Mohammed, in protest against the
massacre of their colleagues by Boko Haram insurgents.
The identities of the 18 soldiers
were kept under wraps last night.
A source said: “You know about 500 to
700 faced a Board of Inquiry out of which the 18 soldiers were isolated for
court martial trial.
“The court will begin sitting any
moment from now. It is a normal military tradition when there is mutiny.
“Every service or organisation has a
way of enforcing discipline to restore peace and order.”
Responding to a question, the source
said: “It is not immediately clear if the court martial will be thrown open or
not.”
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