Two Nigerian Soldiers Killed by Mines in Northeastern State

However, the statement said the Nigerian Military on Friday lost two soldiers to the terrorists in Marte local government area of Borno, while two others were critically injured.

The army chief, who arrived Maiduguri first, set out on the journey through Mafa to Gamboru-Ngala border town where regrouping terrorists were dislodged recently.

Further evidence of Boko Haram’s links with IS is the arrest on August 15 by Lebanese authorities of hard-line IS cleric Ahmad al-Assir at Beirut airport.

Buratai said Nigerians can help in the fight against insurgency by providing credible information on the “hideouts and modus operandi” of Boko Haram, noting that it would aid the military’s quest to end terrorists activities in the North East region of the country before the end of this year. Only soldiers on guard were seen everywhere.

The convoy later moved on to Ngala town where a large number of solders were met celebrating the liberation of the area.

“Let’s stand firm, and neutralize them”, Mahamat was quoted to have said.

“We are very happy to see them”.

The convoy of the Army Chief had to slow down when radio messages blared in that an advance team moving ahead of his had ran into an ambush.

It said that the troops are now doing clearance operations in the general area, and recalled that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had on Monday inflicted heavy damage on the terrorist camps. The four suspects later owned up that they were members of the Boko Haram.

The exercise paid-off with the arrest of six insurgents fleeing from their hideouts pretending to be herdsmen.

Also, a family of four with a sick mother riding on a donkey were also investigated by soldiers. Lieutenant General Buratai ordered that the family should be conveyed in one of the vehicles to the hospital for proper medical attention.

The COAS was welcomed by a cheering IDPs who were thanking him for bringing in the soldiers to save them. This fight has to come to an end.

Chief of army staff made a brief stop at Mafa, addressing the troops of the 112 battalion.

Adesina said Buhari stated that with higher morale among troops in the frontline against Boko Haram and their improved logistics, equipment and training, a rapid end to the insurgency could be expected.