Boko Haram: 24 ISWAP, 7 Soldiers killed in Rann after two hours of battle

Boko Haram: 24 ISWAP, 7 Soldiers killed in Rann after two hours of battle

By: James Bwala, Maiduguri

The Nigerian military troops fighting insurgency in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge local government area of Borno state in northeast region, Nigeria on Thursday neutralized 24 members of the Islamic State for West African Province, ISWAP after a fierce battle with the  Insurgents.

Seven (7) soldiers however were reportedly killed in action. But the fighting spirit of troops remains high, a security source revealed.

Rann is about 473 km from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital going through Njamena due to the activities of terrorists. It requires 12 to 13 hours to travel due to bad roads.

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NEWSng gathered that, the terrorists attempted to attack the military base in the area but met stiff resistance from troops holding them for over two hours with rapid gun power.

Rann which was ravaged by insurgency has continued to have occasional attacks from the terrorists in an attempt to take hold of the area. But the Nigerian military have put up strong resistance denying the terrorists opportunity of retaking the area.

“Two officers and five soldiers were among the casualties of the crossfire that ensued between the ISWAP fighters and troops of Operation Hadin Kai. But we are in firm control and the fighting spirit is high.” An intelligent officer said.

The armed terrorists stormed the town on several gun trucks and engaged the military in a gun battle.

“The terrorists could not subdue the gallant troops, during the crossfire. At the last count this morning, we recovered 24 of their dead bodies killed in the gun battle, while the rest fled with injuries. We also recovered huge sophisticated weapons apart from their gun trucks that were completely destroyed by airstrikes.” He added.

According to him, soldiers are on the trail of fleeing insurgents believing that they may have been carrying some of their wounded along as a blood trail followed their path indicating heavy casualty on their side.

Boko Haram: 24 ISWAP, 7 Soldiers killed in Rann after two hours of battle