Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have killed 48 Boko Haram terrorists and rescued 11 kidnap victims in Borno State.

In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Mohammed Yerima, the nine terrorists were gunned down in an ambush along the Chibok -Damboa axis of the state.

The troops achieved the feat while acting on credible intelligence that some remnants of insurgents were fleeing due to the intensity of troops’ operations in the Sambisa forest.

“The gallant troops laid an ambush, engaged and overwhelmed the criminals with aggressive firepower, neutralising 9 terrorists in the process while several others escaped with fatal gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered 7 AK 47 Rifles and freed 3 kidnapped victims,” the statement partly read.

“Similarly in another encounter, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade located in Askira equally laid a successful ambush along Askira – Chibok Main Supply Route (MSR) and neutralised 39 terrorists.”

During the encounter, eight kidnap victims were successfully rescued, with one of the kidnapped victims sustaining an injury to his leg while in the hands of his abductors in Chibok.

Items recovered from the insurgents include nine AK- 47 Rifles with 4 magazines, among other items.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru has commended the gallantry and dexterity of the troops.

He however asked them to remain dogged and maintain their offensive posture in all operations until the area is rid of all remnants of terrorists.

Borno State has become a target for insurgents as the Nigerian military continues its offensive against terrorist operations in the nation’s North-East.

In February, at least ten persons were killed and 47 injured after Boko Haram launched explosives towards the city.