By Olayemi Esan, Abuja
• Kill scores of BHTs/ISWAP terrorists, capture arms, ammunition
Recent Reports from Nigerian Army is giving a clearer green light that normalcy is returning to North East zone after COAS Lt Col. Ibrahim Attahiru issued directives to troops to advance and recapture Marte and thereafter project further to clear other adjoining villages which include Chikun Gudu, Kerenoa and environs.
The Nigerian Army says, troops of Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE and 402 Special Forces Brigade have continued to clear all villages and enclaves hitherto inhabited by the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and their Islamic State West Africa Province Counterparts (ISWAP) around Chikun Gudu, Kerenoa axis and environs in the ongoing Phase II of Operation "TURA TAKAIBANGO".
Army Spokesman, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Yerima said, the clearance onslaught was based on the directives given by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru when he visited the Theatre of Operation LAFIYA DOLE recently.
Army Spokesman added that during COAS operational visit to DIKWA, he issued directives to troops to advance and recapture Marte and thereafter project further to clear other adjoining villages which include Chikun Gudu, Kerenoa and environs.
"Following the directive, the gallant troops moved in, achieved the objective and projected ahead. In the course of the clearance operation, troops encountered heavy fleets of the terrorists, engaged and ultimately obliterated them"he said.
Brig. Gen Mohammed Yerima noted that, 25 members of the terrorist group were neutralized while some weapons were captured.
They includes, 2 Browny Machine Gun, 20 AK 47 Rifles and 5 FN Rifles, 2 60mm Motar Tube and 2 General Purpose Machine Guns.
Other weapons captured during the operation also include 3 Anti Air Craft Guns, 2 Automatic Grenade Launchers, 2 Gun trucks and one CJTF Hilux amongst others.
"The troops not swayed by the success project further to ensure no elements of the terrorists were left within the area" he said.
The COAS therefore commended the gallant troops and charged them to maintain the momentum in order to ensure that the area is completely cleared and dominated.
He also instructed them not relent in their new offensive against terrorism and insurgency.