44 killed as terrorists battle soldiers in Maiduguri

Officers of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF)
patrolling in Maiduguri in a sweeping offensive
 against Boko Haram militants.
AFP PHOTO/

The capture of a number of terrorists believed to be the ringleaders of those operating around Alagarno remote villages of Damboa Council Area of Borno state, has sparked off a major fight in the outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State last night.

Bulabulin is a remote village between Alagarmo and Sambisa Forest where the terrorists have been attempting to establish a stronghold in their campaign.

During the deadly encounter, 40 suspected terrorists died while 4 soldiers lost their lives and 9 were wounded.

This was contained in a press statement issued to Journalists and signed by the Defence Headquarters Spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade yesterday.

Our Correspondent observed that there were three explosions on the night of Thursday at 9pm and 11pm and another explosion went off at about 5am yesterday in the outskirts of Maiduguri, thereby leading to intensive stop- and- search operation within the city by military and civilian JTF.

Olukolade stated that more than 16 rifles and a substantial number of assorted calibres of ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials, SIM Cards and electronic items have so far been recovered.

He noted that two of the terrorists were earlier arrested at a local market two days ago while trying to procure foodstuff while others were spying on the military base in the area.

Others still being trailed according to the Defence Spokesman include a terrorist medic who was on a mission to procure drugs for use by his colleagues.