Troops kill 20 insurgents in Bama

More than 20 Boko Haram insurgents were killed by troops yesterday in a botched reprisal attack on Bama in Borno State.
A soldier was killed and seven others wounded while repelling the attack.
The Air Force patrol went after some of the fleeing insurgents and struck them to death. This could not be independently confirmed.
But there was fresh tension in the North yesterday following the kidnap of the Emir of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman Tafida by five gunmen.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj- Gen. Chris Olukolade, who made the disclosure in a statement, said those injured had been evacuated by air for medical attention.

The statement said: “An attack by a band of terrorists on parts of Bama was this morning (Saturday) quelled by the Nigerian troops who dealt with them decisively.

“Over a score of them died while others fled with wounds. Many more of the attacking terrorists also died as the air force patrol went after the fleeing ones.
“Pursuit is still ongoing while calm has been restored and troops maintain firm control of Bama town.
“A Hilux vehicle as well as other equipment and some weapons were captured from the attackers.
“One soldier died while seven were wounded while repelling the attack. They have been evacuated from the combat area by air and are already receiving medical attention.
“With most of the towns slated to be cleared of terrorists already covered, the campaign to rid rest of the communities of them is continuing with air and land operations now stepped up in the remaining designated locations in the mission area.”