Terrorism: Troops Kill 10 ISWAP Fighters in Baga, Lose Soldier

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) based in Baga, northern Borno State, on Monday battled 30 fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), killing 10, including four suicide bombers and losing a soldier while five other soldiers were wounded.

The fire-fight came barely 24 hours after terrorist group, Boko Haram, killed 65 people during a funeral procession in a village near Maiduguri. 

Twenty people were initially killed while dozens more died when they chased after the insurgents.

The attack prompted President Mohammed Buhari to order immediate military action against the rampaging terrorists.

The insurgents numbering 30 attacked troops in Baga, Monday morning, at about 5:30 a.m. but met stiff resistance from troops. Ten of the terrorists were decimated including four suicide bombers.

Assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered from the fleeing  insurgents.

Spokesman of MNJTF, Col Timothy Antigha, said many of the terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds.

“What was meant to be a surprise dawn attack on multinational joint task force and national troops this morning became a nightmare for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as ten of its terrorists met their waterloo in Baga.

“Specifically, at about 5:30 am (Monday) morning, ISWAP terrorists numbering about 30 infested troops defensive locality. However, vigilant troops spotted their approach and promptly thwarted what could have been an audacious assault”, he said.

Antigha stated that “in the process, 10 terrorists, including four suicide bombers were neutralised.  Others escaped with gunshot wounds, as blood stained tracks were observed.

“Additionally, assorted arms and ammunition were impounded from other terrorists who fled in disarray. Unfortunately, a soldier paid the supreme price; while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries and have been evaluated for medical attention”.

“It must be re-emphasised that the MNJTF acting cohesively with national forces will continue to pursue courses of action necessary for the achievement of its mandate in the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.