18 killed in clash between JTF and Boko Haram, as Sambo visits Borno State

By Maina Maina

Ahead of scheduled Borno visit by the Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, eighteen (18) persons have been killed in a clash between men of the JTF and members of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, despite announcement of a ceasefire by members of the Islamic sect on Monday.
Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa in a statement on Friday said, the Joint Task Force on Operation Restore Order in Borno has conducted two special operations supported by Nigerian Air force Helicopter Gunship to dislodge Boko Haram Terrorists’ Camps located in Sambisa Game Reserve in Bama Local Government and Farin – Ruwa Forest South West/East of Demboa Local Government Areas of Borno State on Wednesday and Thursday.
He said, camp of the sect members was properly sighted and fortified and had training facilities; armory, accommodation, drugs store/medical, kitchen, vehicle holding area, latrine and water points (River). Adding that, the camp was used to conduct training and carry out recent attacks, killings and bombings in Maiduguri, Musari, Konduga, Biu, Bama, and Demboa communities.
According to JTF, efforts by JTF troops to destroy the camps led to fierce exchange of fire that resulted in the death of seventeen (17) Boko Haram Terrorists and one (1) JTF personnel was killed.
He said the camps were destroyed and are being monitored by troops while items were recovered includes: 6 Ak 47 Rifles, 2 G3 Rifles, Pistols, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade Bomb (RPG),1 RPG Tube, 20 RPG Chargers, 2 Double Barrel Rifles, 2543 Assorted Ammunition, 33 Assorted Empty Magazines, 3 Laptops Computers, 10 Assorted Motorola Working Talkies, 20 Telephone Handsets, 40 Assorted Primed IED canisters, 3 Bags of rice and 2 bags of beans, 2 jerry cans of palm oil, 1 bag of salt, 1 Generator set, Light Green Uniforms (sown and unsown).

While reiterating its commitment to protection of lives and properties, the JTF also called on local communities to give credible and timely information to the Task Force/ Security Agencies.
The JTF also called on Members of the public to pass any credible information to the JTF through it’s under listed Hot Lines that are operational 24\7 080 – 64174066, O81 – 54429346, 070 – 64174066
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the capital as Vice President, Namadi Sambo visits the crises ridden state to commission some projects of the Borno state government.
Daily Post gathered that the projects expected to be commissioned by the Vice President includes the commissioning of 144 trucks/drilling rigs at trailler park along Pompomari byepass, commissioning of Maduganari byepass road as well as Muhammed Shuwa Memorial Hospital.
The Vice President is also expected to inspect infectious disease Hospital at Ruwan Zafi.
DailyPost