BOKO HARAM LOSES 7 MEMBERS IN FOILED ATTEMPT TO RETAKE GWOZA

The terrorist group, Boko Haram, attacked Gwoza town in southern Borno state on Friday but were repelled by the troops of Nigerian Army.

Addressing a press conference in Maiduguri, the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Tukur Gusau, said despite their obvious losses, the terrorist group made "a desperate but costly attempt to attack Nigerian Army’s blocking position early this morning (Friday) in Gwoza.

"The encounter which started at about 5.00am today lasted for almost two hours."

He added: "Although details are still being collated, suffice to state that seven terrorists were gunned down and the following weapons recovered: 1 Toyota Hilux vehicle, 11 AK-47 rifles, 1 Shilka gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 6 Hand Grenades. Others include several rounds of Shilka Gun and Machine Gun ammunitions.

"Presently, troops are in hot pursuit of the attackers who fled into Sambisa forest with a view to eliminating all of them while the Nigerian Air Force is bombarding their locations."

He said the Boko Haram terrorists’ ability as a coherent fighting force has been degraded over time by troops through relentless attacks, patrols and aerial bombardments.

"The desperate attack today (Friday) was a failed attempt to project an image of strength. It is part of the last struggles of a dying evil," Gusau said.