Nigerian army launches offensive against militants

LAGOS (Xinhua) - Nigerian security forces are carrying out an offensive against Boko Haram terrorists operating in the northeast city of Damaturu of Yobe state, the military said Saturday.

A statement issued by the Nigerian Defense Headquarters (DHQ) said the terrorists had launched massive attack from different directions of the town on Friday evening, but troops were promptly mobilized to repel the attack that lasted the night, resulting in heavy casualty on the part of the terrorists before they retreated.

Weapons including improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades were captured from the terrorists. But casualties are yet to be determined, the statement said.

"Pursuit of the fleeing terrorists is also ongoing while the five soldiers who were seriously wounded in the attack are being treated in the military medical facility.  Although normalcy has been restored, the town is also being reinforced with more troops, " the defense statement added.

Meanwhile, the military said the situation in Baga in Borno State is still being studied to determine the appropriate action that will restore law, order and normalcy to the community after the attack last weekend mounted by hundreds of heavily armed terrorists.

A total of 14 soldiers were killed in action during the attack, while over 30 who were wounded are now receiving medical attention.

Most of those declared missing in action have rejoined their unit in the ongoing reorganization for further operations, said the statement.

"Although several of the terrorists died in the course of the attack and efforts at repelling the assailants, the actual figure of civilian casualties is yet to be creditably determined," the military added.

The Nigerian army has pledged not to give up on Baga and other localities where terrorists activities are now prevalent.