Many die as Nigerian troops clash with Boko Haram

Not less than 11 Boko Haram fighters have been reportedly killed in a major clash between the sect and troops of Nigeria’s 103 battalion on Saturday, November 19.

The troops, according Premium Times, destroyed a market and camp operated by sect in Yale, northern Borno and wounded many of the terrorists.

The troops recovered arms, ammunition and other equipment in the incident that reportedly occurred about eight kilometres south of Bama and 12 kilometres south-west of Dikwa.

The report said officers of the 103 battalion were assisted by those from 21 Brigade, 202 Battalion, the 151 Task Force Battalion and a detachment of the civilian-JTF on the confrontation.

Accordingly, the soldiers were said to have stormed the market at about 7.30 am and suddenly opened fire on the suspected terrorists.

The troops destroyed all the structures found at the camp while some suspects were shot dead and others escaped with injuries.

But as troops withdrew from battle unhurt, Boko Haram elements staged a surprise ambush attack, which was also successfully repelled.

Some of the items recovered by the troops include 11 motorcycles, 400 bicycles, bags of grains, some AK47 rifles, magazines, binoculars, army rain boots, telephone handsets, cameras and strip wires.

Earlier, soldiers of the 119 Task Force Battalion were said to have killed some Boko Haram fighters who attacked troops' location in Kangarwa, northern Borno.

Nine soldiers were reportedly attacked in the confrontation while a patrol team from Baga, which went to evacuate the affected officers, was also ambushed, but they repelled the attack.

The army had not issued any statement at the time of this report.