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Troops of the 7 Division Nigerian Army have eliminated five terrorists of the Islamic State of West African Province and their Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad counterparts in North East Nigeria.
A statement issued by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, said the troops in an aggressive clearance patrol conducted on Friday, successfully cleared six villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.
Nwachukwu said the troops came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating five of them.
They also rescued 78 persons, including 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists.
“The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas.
“Items recovered are one terrorists’ flag, a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists.
“The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.
“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operations Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents.” he added.