4 Nigerian troops killed in battle with Boko Haram

By Olarewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - Four soldiers have been killed and nine others injured in a military offensive against Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria, an official said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, the army spokesman, said troops launched a “clearance operation" on Monday against Boko Haram militants, leading to the death of four soldiers.

The offensive dubbed as “Operation Deep Punch 2” in the Lake Chad was aimed at smoking out Boko Haram militants, which has stepped up attacks in the region in recent times, Usman explained.

Three of the soldiers were killed when Boko Haram militants rammed their explosive-laden vehicle into a vehicle of the military.

However, Usman said troops "neutralized" over 50 Boko Haram militants. He said they also destroyed high caliber arms and seized some ammunition.

Some of the ammunition captured, according to the spokesman, included one anti-aircraft gun, 116 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition with metal links and four Ak-47 rifles.

Other weapons included 57 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition (Special), two light machine guns, two rocket propelled grenade-7 (RPG-7) tubes, with one RPG and hand grenades.

Nigeria Army Chief, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai last week pledged military resolve to intensify the counter-insurgency war in the nation's northeastern region, following increasing Boko Haram attacks there.