*Terrorists kill officer, 8 soldiers, 1 civilian
ABUJA- STAFF of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists on Tuesday, at Barno Yasu, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, were Wednesday, rescued by the military troops battling insurgents in the state.
But before the rescue of the oil works, the terrorists killed an army officer, eight soldiers and a civilian, according to reports.
The Nigerian Army which confirmed the rescue of the works as well as killing of the military men and a civilian, said the staff of NNPC were rescued just as it said it recovered the remains of the dead.
The Army, in a statement through its spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman, yesterday, said the rescue team also recovered four vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and other blue Hilux belonging to Chad, among others items.
The Nigerian Army statement, as released read thus:”Yesterday Tuesday 25th July 2017, at about 3.00pm, suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the escort and team of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) staff returning from oil exploration
On receipt of the information, the Brigade mobilized and sent reinforcement, search and rescue party that include the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night.
“So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the Officer, 8 soldiers and a civilian have who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
“The team recovered four vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and one blue Hilux belonging to CJTF. They team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans of containing Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant, assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others. The team also neutralized many of the terrorists.
“The troops are not relenting in the pursuit, search and rescue efforts.