Nigerian troops in pursuit of escaping terrorists: official

Nigerian troops are pursuing escaping terrorists and also moving to further block any incursion by the terrorists in the restive northeast part of the country, an official said on Wednesday.

Spokesman for the Nigerian Army Col. Sani Usman said in a statement reaching Xinhua in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, that locations recently attacked by terrorists had also been reinforced and the troops were poised to contain any eventuality.

Usman said the coming weeks would be critical in the operation geared toward destroying all known locations of the terrorists.

"As we enter the month of December, it is important to state that we have also entered a very critical part of the fight against terrorism in our country," he added.

According to him, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its total commitment and determination to the war against the Boko Haram terrorists.

"Consequently, we solicit for the continued support, cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians in this regard," Usman said.

He said troops in the recent operation in Gulak recovered a Toyota Hilux, several arms and items from the insurgents.

Some of the arms include one PKM gun, one General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK-47 rifles, one Rocket Propelled Grenade tube and one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb.

Other recoveries include one charger, seven boxes of 7.62mm link, one GP 340 Hand Held Radio, four boxes of 7.62mm X 54mm ammunition, three Anti Riot Hand Held Grenade, as well as 30 Cleaning Kits, two Packets of Artillery Primers and 97 pieces of Zela fuse."

Suspected insurgents recently attacked Gulak in Adamawa and Gajigana in Borno. Endit