Trucks set ablaze as heavy firefight rocks Borno road

No fewer than two civilian trucks with relief materials and  four Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tyres were engulfed by fire during a heavy firefight between terrorists and troops of Operation Hadin Kai along Gubio–Damasak road, Borno State on Wednesday.

The fierce encounter, according to a report by counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, saw to the elimination  13 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, who attempted to ambush a military convoy escorting humanitarian supplies at Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno.

According to the report, the ambush was  characterised by the detonation of two command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) followed by heavy gunfire from the terrorists.

Sources said that the troops responded swiftly, taking battle positions and unleashing superior firepower that overwhelmed the insurgents.

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“In the ensuing exchange, 13 terrorists were neutralised instantly, while others fled in disarray. The troops then pursued the fleeing elements, further exploiting the area,” the source said.

According to the report, during the operation, the soldiers recovered eight AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, and a large cache of 7.62mm ammunition, as well as a camel bag, several rolls of detonating cord, and multiple primed IEDs.

However, the encounter was not without setbacks. One soldier sustained a minor injury and is reported to be in stable condition. Four Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tyres were damaged, while two civilian trucks with relief materials were engulfed in flames during the firefight.

“The escort mission was successfully completed, and the relief materials have since been secured and delivered to Damasak,” the source added.
The source further explained that the troops have sustained deliberate clearance operations in the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action and to maintain secure corridors for humanitarian access.