Troops kill 15 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

• Laws to try Plateau attackers out soon, says gov
• Gowon condemns mayhem

Troops of 7 Brigade, Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have killed 15 Boko Haram terrorists during a clearance operation at Arege, Borno State.

The MNJTF comprises forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroun and Niger. The mission of the military formation is to rid Lake Chad Basin and Islands of the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Texas Chukwu, in a statement yesterday in Maiduguri, said the exercise, which lasted for over three hours, forced some insurgents to flee with gunshot wounds.

According to him, efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that his men recovered five AK-47 rifles, an anti-aircraft gun and a light machine gun during the military expedition.

“Unfortunately, one soldier was injured and is currently receiving attention at a military medical facility,” he added.

The spokesman urged the public to always report any suspicious movement within their localities to law enforcement agencies for prompt action.

Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has said the relevant laws to try the perpetrators of the recent attacks on the Plateau will soon be signed into law.

He made the disclosure yesterday while receiving former Head of State and National Chairman of Nigeria Prays, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), in Jos.

His words: “We have reviewed adequate laws to prosecute offenders in Jos.

“We will ensure the enthronement of sustainable peace on the Plateau.”

He commended Gowon for standing by the state as a father, assuring him that efforts were being made to restore the state to its pride of glory.

The erstwhile Nigerian leader, who was on a condolence visit to the Government House, decried the practice where arrested suspects are taken to Abuja and released almost immediately.

He said: “People arrested should be investigated and prosecuted in Jos where the crime was committed.”

Gowon condemned the flaying of President Muhammadu Buhari on the social media, noting: “The Buhari I know will not be involved, certainly no leader will encourage his people to be killed.”

The elder statesman was received in company of other senior government officials, including the deputy governor, Prof. Sonni Tyodden; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Rufus Bature; Chief of Staff, Chief John Dafaan; and members of the State Executive Council (SEC).