A fierce gun battle between Nigerian soldiers and Boko Haram fighters has left two terrorists dead in Taraba State, with weapons and a motorcycle recovered during the operation.
The confrontation, which occurred during a series of operations in Takum Local Government Area, was part of the ongoing military campaign to rid the state of insurgents, bandits, and criminal groups.
According to military sources, troops of the 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, launched the offensive after receiving intelligence reports of a planned attack on Chanchanji community by members of the Boko Haram-linked Bojo group.
“The terrorists were on the move when our men struck. After a brief exchange of fire, two of them were neutralised, and we seized their rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle,” one of the sources told reporters.
The incident took place on the Demeva–Chanchanji road late at night, forcing some of the gunmen to flee into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.
Soldiers, however, could not pursue them further due to poor visibility and the difficult terrain.
Another clash had been recorded earlier along the same axis, where troops engaged a different group of insurgents, killing one and forcing others to retreat.
Military authorities say the coordinated operations, launched on September 1 under the code name Operation Lafiya Nakowa, are designed to restore peace and dismantle terrorist cells operating in Taraba and neighboring states.
A senior officer, who confirmed the development, said: “These operations send a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals.
“Our men are determined to restore security and protect communities from constant threats.”
The Nigerian Army has continued to intensify counterterrorism efforts in the North-East and parts of the North-Central, where remnants of Boko Haram and splinter groups still launch sporadic attacks on villages and highways.