Several Boko Haram insurgents while fleeing the heavy aerial attacks from Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to eradicate them from Baga, Borno state drowned in Lake Chad, Vanguard reports. The report indicated that many of the fighters died during the air strike while a substantial number of them fled with various degrees of sustained injury.
A statement released by Maj. General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defense Information, stated: “Apart from the five anti aircraft guns and the rifles captured from the terrorists, over 34 motorcycles and five vehicles including trucks, being used for operations by the terrorists, were destroyed in the course of the fighting as troops headed for Baga.
“A comprehensive cordon and search phase of military operation has now commenced to enable troops mop up arms and ammunition and also apprehend any terrorist who might be hiding in the vicinity.
“The exercise will also determine details of the casualties inflicted or incurred in the course of the operations to clear Baga and environ of terrorists.
“Similar exercise is being carried out in over 12 locations namely Gajigana, Ngaze, Ngenzai, Marte Junction, Mile 90, Yoyo, Kekeno, Kukawa, Cross Kauwa, Kangarwa, Amirari and other localities where troops have flushed out the terrorists in the operations preceding the entry to Baga.
“The troops are now dominating and conducting aggressive patrols in the locations. The morale of troops remains high.”