The attempt by members of the dreaded Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Troops of 212 Battalion in Jakana for the dire need of logistics, was thwarted with a fierce response from troops. The Boko Haram members were dealt with, with scores of the group neutralised in the fierce battle that saw the loss of an Army colonel, a captain and three others.
According to the report by the Deputy Director of Public Relations Operations LAFIYA DOLE, Colonel Ado Isa on Friday 19th July 2019, the terrorists came at about 1845 hours in 7 Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the FOB Jakana camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by the gallant and patriotic troops who were vigilant and battle-ready.
Colonel Ado Isa also stated that:
“The terrorists couldn’t bear the firepower any longer after losing a significant number of both equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire. They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along the Benisheikh – Damaturu axis, – abandoning a damaged utility Gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items.
Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and the following items were captured:
a. 1 x Anti Aircraft Gun
b. 2 x Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes
c. 2 x AK 47 Rifles
d. 15 x Machine Gun rounds
e. 12 x AK 47 NATO rounds.
Colonel Ado Isa confirming the death of the two officers and three other soldiers said:
“Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain, as well as 3 soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu, run into an ambush staged by the routed/fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis which led to their unfortunate death.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes reiterated that “Personnel of the Nigerian Army will never be deterred in the ongoing noble and patriotic fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East”. He further commended the efforts of the entire troops in the theatre and charged them to remain the focus, highly committed and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
The sacrifices of the fallen heroes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency are no doubt painful to all, but that will further spur us to do more to ensure that our country remains secured, peaceful and free from terrorist activities for the overall interest of the nation” he said.