Soldiers kill 95 Boko Haram members in two Yobe attacks – Nigerian Army

Published: October 27,2013

The Nigerian Army on Friday said it killed at least 95 insurgents in two related attacks in Yobe State on Thursday.

The spokesman of the army, Ibrahim Attahiru, said this in a statement to media houses.

The first attack was by the 7 Division of the Army whose officials “encountered insurgents along Beni-Sheikh – Dohoma Lawanti – Galangi road,” the army spokesman said.

“In its bid to rid the entire North East of insurgents, 7 Division continue to dominate its Area of Responsibility through aggressive patrols.

“On 24 October 2013 by 0300hrs troops of 21 Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army encountered insurgents along Beni-Sheikh – Dohoma Lawanti – Galangi road axis, a fire fight ensued and the insurgents were effectively neutralized,” he said.

Mr. Attahiru said “over 70 (insurgents) were killed in the encounter.”

Some of the insurgents, suspected members of the Boko Haram, escaped from the attack.

“Fleeing insurgents from the earlier encounter at Beni-Sheikh – Dohoma Lawanti – Galangi regrouped to carry out attacks on Damaturu town.

“Our Command Post located close to NNPC Mega Station and other locations on the outskirt of Damaturu were attacked which was equally repulsed and about 25 insurgents killed,” the spokesman added.

The spokesperson of the 3 Division Special Operation Battalion of the Army in Yobe, Eli Lazarus, had earlier explained that the second attack occurred at about 5:30 p.m. He said 21 of the insurgents were killed in the attack while several weapons were recovered.

“Our troops continue to maintain a robust posture throughout the North-East in order to locate and apprehend other fleeing insurgents. Meanwhile, a 24 hour curfew has been imposed on Yobe State,” Mr. Attahiru said.

Damaturu streets remained empty following the curfew with all business premises closed as residents stayed indoors.

Yobe is one of three states, including Adamawa and Borno, currently under a state of emergency. The military has been battling insurgents, members of the Boko Haram, who continue to launch attacks against the military and civilians including schools, despite the emergency rule that has led to an increased military presence in the state.