Troops gained upperhand yesterday in their counter-insurgency campaign in Borno and Yobe states when they killed eight suspected Boko Haram insurgents and arrested the sect’s fuel and food items coordinator.

The troops also recovered 15 cows, 174 goats and a donkey from rustlers.

But two members of a vigilante group were wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) fragments.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, who made the disclosure, said in a statement: “The Nigerian troops yesterday made startling discovery while combing and clearing terrorists in and around Dikwa, Borno State.

“During the painstaking operation, the troops discovered pile of street lamps poles cut into pieces by Boko Haram terrorists which they use in making Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs).

“In another development, during a cordon and search operation in Jakana village, the troops of 7 Division Garrison recovered 15 cows, 174 goats and a donkey from rustlers.

“The animals have since been handed over to their identified legitimate owners. The rustlers were apprehended and are currently undergoing investigation.

“Similarly, troops have at Jehu near Jakana, arrested Mai Mustapha; a fuel supplier to Boko Haram terrorists, and Madu, who coordinates buying of food items from neighbouring villages for the terrorists.

“Additionally, early this morning troops blocked elements that attacked Dumbuluwa village in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State and had encounter with the terrorists.

“The gallant soldiers killed eight terrorists. Unfortunately, two vigilantes were wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) fragments.”

Credit: thenationonlineng