Mr Iliyasu said that the encounter took place on Monday when troops of 153 Task Force Battalion deployed at New Marte embarked on fighting patrol to Dikwa to hunt and destroy remnants of the insurgents.
According to him, the troops encountered an ambush staged against them by some remnants of the criminal Boko Haram insurgents along the patrol route at Ala Village, 7 km away from New Marte.
“The ambush was reinforced with a crudely prepared Improvised Explosive Device planted by them against the troops.
“In a rare display of boldness, resilience and faithful service to their fatherland, the troops, turned around the initial setback and dealt a devastating blow on the criminals.
“Having so clearly asserted their superiority in the ensuing fire fight, the criminal insurgents were forced to flee in disarray.
The gallant troops then embarked on a relentless pursuit of the scampering insurgents who abandoned some of their fighting equipment in utter confusion,” he said.
Mr Iliyasu disclosed that the troops recovered two Gun Trucks, two Anti-Air Craft Guns, 2,080 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 26 Rounds of 12.7 mm Armour Piercing Incendiary ammunition at end of the pursuit and exploitation.
He added that three AK 47 Rifles, six Rounds of 12.7 mm (Belted), one AOJOE motorcycle, some clothes, food stuffs and mechanical tools belonging to the terrorists also captured by the troops.
According to him, most of the Boko Haram criminal elements were believed to have escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“However, troops continue to dominate the area with patrols to deny the criminal insurgents freedom of action.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has commended the troops for their gallantry and reiterate the commitment of the Nigerian Army to accomplish its constitutional mandate of professionally and responsively securing Nigeria.
“He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their unalloyed support, goodwill and understanding towards officers and men of the Nigerian Army as they tackle the myriad of security challenges confronting our dear country,” he said.
NAN
