The Seven Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri said that it killed 20 suspected Boko Haram militants after an operation on Gwoza-Bita road, which had witnessed attacks on civilians in recent times.
Lt.-Col. Muhammad Dole, the spokesman of the division, said this in a statement on Saturday in Maiduguri.
“In the late hours of Friday, Nov. 15, troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, launched an offensive operation along Gwoza-Bita-Damboa road, where suspected Boko Haram militants were flushed out.
“Bita town is believed to be a Boko Haram stronghold, from where the terrorists launched attacks on isolated villages and motorists along the road to Gwoza and Damboa.
“During the encounter, 20 suspected Boko Haram militants were killed, while scores of vehicles and 50 motorcycles were destroyed.
“A soldier was killed and three other soldiers were wounded in the operation,’’ he said.
Dole said that the soldiers were still pursuing the fleeing members of the Boko Haram group.
“The troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, are aggressively pursuing the fleeing insurgents in the general areas of Bita and Sambisa Forest.
“The General Officer Commanding Seven Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obidah Ethan, appeals to the general public to provide the division with credible information concerning the movement of the fleeing insurgents,’’ Dole said.