by Ranti Joseph

The Nigerian military said it has killed the top commanders of the Boko Haram terror group during a firefight at Alagarno, in Borno.

The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Chris Olukolade, who confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, said that the terrorist kingpin died while leading a comeback attack on the troops.

“A notorious top terrorist commander, Abu Mojahid, was among the terrorists that died in their encounter with troops on the outskirts of Alagarno, Tuesday morning.  The terrorists had staged a daring attack on troops who were on patrol of the area,” Olukolade said.

According to him, a number of the terrorists died as the troops repelled the attack.

“Some rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) as well as vehicle mounted anti-aircraft guns were either captured or destroyed in the encounter,” he revealed.

He also stated that military operations were continuing in the form of offensive action on identified terrorists in some of the forest’s locations.

He added that aggressive patrols, mop up, as well as cordon and search operations were continuing in the other locations in search for weapons and terrorists.

Olukolade further revealed that landmines planted by the terrorists to deter the comprehensive offensive by the advancing troops were being carefully cleared, as troops continue to pursue fleeing ones.

“The operations especially in forest (Sambisa) locations are progressing in defiance of obstacles and landmines emplaced by the terrorists,” he said.

Janeth J