20 soldiers die in gunfight with Boko Haram

No fewer than 20 soldiers have died in a
clash between troops and Boko Haram
members in Kafia Forest in Nganzai
Local Government Area of Borno State .
The clash , which occurred between
Friday and the early hours of Saturday,
allegedly led to the death of one of the
wanted leaders of the sect, Abba
Goroma .
Two other commanders of the sect were
allegedly arrested by the troops .
The alleged killing of Goroma and arrest
of two commanders could not be
independently confirmed as the Boko
Haram leadership was yet to issue an
official statement as at press time on
the encounter.
A military source , who spoke in
confidence with our correspondent , said
the incident followed a raid of a Boko
Haram camp by troops .
The source said: “ The Boko Haram
terrorists were known to be regrouping
in large numbers in Kafia Forest . When
we secured a report on the newly found
camp, the troops stormed the place.
“ The storming of the camp was
complemented with air raid. Following
heavy air assault , the terrorists were
forced to relocate . But with
sophisticated weapons , the terrorists
started fighting troops as they were
escaping .
“ So, there were casualties on both sides.
In the process of the raid, one of the
wanted Boko Haram leaders , Abba
Gurama , was reportedly killed .
“ Two other commanders were arrested .
We are still combing Kafia Forest to get
at the insurgents who might still be
hiding there. We will also use the
opportunity to take stock of the casualty
figures . ”
Asked if the troops were actually
ambushed , the source said: “From field
report at our disposal , the soldiers were
not ambushed . The raid was at the
instance of the troops following
intelligence report .”
The Defence Spokesman, Brig- Gen. Chris
Olukolade , who spoke with our
correspondent , said : “So far , the
casualty figure of troops is less than 20.
Many terrorists were also killed by
troops .
“ We are still combing the forest to
ascertain if there were more deaths . You
should expect more update . ”
The defunct Joint Task Force in Borno
had on November 23 , 2012 placed a
N 10 million ransom on Abba Goroma ,
who was feared killed in the clash at
Kafia Forest.