The Nigerian military Friday evening repelled a terror attack on its
base in Rann, Borno state. Below is a statement from the Nigerian Army:
“Yesterday evening remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in their numbers
attacked our troops location at Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area
of Borno State.
The terrorists came with Motorcycles Borne Improvised Explosive Devices
(MCBIED), Anti-Aircraft Guns and other weapons at about 5.00pm and the
exchange of fire lasted for some hours before they were overwhelmed by
the troops firepower.
Unfortunately, one of the terrorists’ suicide bomber detonated himself
at a gun truck killing the driver and the gunner. The truck and the
mounted weapon were also damaged beyond repairs. In addition 2 soldiers
were wounded in action while 3 others sustained minor injuries.
The troops killed 7 of the attackers instantly while quite a number
escaped with gun shot wounds. During clearance operations this morning,
the troops discovered 9 more Boko Haram terrorists dead bodies in the
surrounding areas. Therefore the total number of terrorists killed was
16.
The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, Rocket
Propelled Grenade, ammunitions and captured 2 of the terrorists alive.The bodies of the 2 fallen heroes and the wounded in action soldiers
have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while reinforcement was sent from
Gomboru Ngala.
In a related development, troops have also discovered and safely
detonated 2 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along
Gomboru-Rann road. It is believed that the IEDs were planted yesterday
to prevent troops reinforcement to Rann while the attack lasted.
The Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion has visited the troops and held
durbar with them. He commended them for their doggedness during attack
and also urged them not to lower their guards.
Despite the incident, troops morale remains very high and they have continued with their clearance operations.