Another Boko Haram/JTF Duel in Yobe: Two Soldiers, Five Militants Dead

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram militants in the early hours of today attacked and engaged soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Gashua, Yobe State, leading of the death of two policemen.

Spokesman of JTF Lt. Eli Lazarus said in a statement sent to SaharaReporters that five of the militants were also killed.

“Some of the suspected terrorists escaped in two vehicles with injuries while others are believed to still be in the town,” he said, disclosing that a cordon-and-search operation is ongoing in Gashua to find them.  “The fleeing terrorists took away one police Hilux vehicle fitted with siren at the top, one other vehicle, police uniforms and other items from the Police stations.”

Items recovered from the gunmen, according to Lazarus, include the following: One Toyota Corolla Car, One Peugeot 406 Saloon Car, One Isuzu Pick Up Van, One AK 47 Rifle, One Police Anti-Riot Gun, One Locally Made Pistol, One Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb, One Generating Set and Large Quantity of Ammunition.

He urged the public to be mindful of the fact that the terrorists are still in the area and are bent on wreaking havoc and instilling fear in law abiding citizens, but that the JTF will continue to respond appropriately to such attacks. The Task Force urges all law abiding citizens to remain calm as it is currently on top of the situation.

Full text of the statement:
“At about 12 mid night Thursday 25 April 2013, unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram Terrorists attacked JTF location in Gashua town, the Police Area Command and Gashua Divisional Police Station. Men of the JTF were able to repel and contain the attack on its location. Reinforcement was however dispatched swiftly and was able to engage the terrorists.
 

“Two police officers were killed in the attack while five of the suspected terrorists lost their lives during the encounter. Some of the suspected terrorists escaped in two vehicles with injuries while others are believed to still be in the town. The fleeing terrorists took away one police Hilux vehicle fitted with siren at the top, one other vehicle, police uniforms and other items from the Police stations.

“Items recovered include; One Toyota Corolla Car, One Peugeot 406 Saloon Car, One Isuzu Pick Up Van, One AK 47 Rifle, One Police Anti-Riot Gun, One Locally Made Pistol, One Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb, One Generating Set and Large Quantity of Ammunition.
 

“The public is enjoined to be mindful of the fact that the terrorists are still around and are bent on wrecking havoc and instilling fear in law abiding citizens in other to make life unbearable for them. Let no one be in doubt however, that JTF would continue to respond appropriately to such attacks. The Task Force urges all law abiding citizens to remain calm as it is currently on top of the situation. A cordon and search operation is currently on going in Gashua town.”