Boko Haram Kills 16 Soldiers, Loses Scores of Members in Gun Battle

Suspected Boko Haram militants yesterday attacked a military checkpoint at  Bulamburin village in Borno State killing at least 16 soldiers and losing scores of its members in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Bulabulin Ngaura is located south of Maiduguri, along the troubled Maiduguri-Biu Road, about 60 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital, which had witnessed series of attacks, road ambushes and killings by terrorists.

A military source, who survived the siege, disclosed that the armed men who attacked the military contingent arrived in the village on motorcycles and in several sports utility vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft weapons.

Speaking to reporters in Maiduguri, one of the soldiers that escaped the attack told journalists that Speaking to reporters in Maiduguri, the source said 62 soldiers had lost their lives, but that the military inflicted heavier casualties on the members of the dreaded Islamist group.

“Some of my colleagues were abducted and many others escaped with bullet wounds. Dozens of Boko Haram insurgents who stormed our checkpoint at Bulabulin were also killed.”

“The terrorists came in a convoy of over 30 vehicles, mounted with anti-aircraft guns and Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs.

“I was at the checkpoint when the terrorists came. We tried our best but they had the upper hand. They had AAGs and we had AK-47 rifles. We tried our best to repel them by killing many.

“Unfortunately, due to their large number, some of us escaped to Maiduguri and other places just as about 16 of us could not make it.

“As I am talking to you, 16 bodies of our colleagues have been brought to Maiduguri. This is beside those that sustained injuries and many others that are missing in action.”

Boko Haram terrorists have recently intensified their violent activities in the southern part of Borno State where hundreds of people have been killed, numerous homes razed, and many people kidnapped.