The Nigerian Army has disclosed that its operatives have killed a top leader of the Boko Haram insurgents, Abu Usamah.
This was revealed in a statement on Monday signed by its Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko.
The statement said the top commander was killed in its operation that took place on 22nd March 2020 in Gorgi, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
It noted that Usamah was among the key members of Boko Haram gunned down by officers of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in its special operation called Ayiso Tamonuma.
It added that the Army had reported that over 100 Boko Haram insurgents were neutralized while scores of them escaped with gunshot wounds in addition to several casualties suffered by the Boko Haram insurgents.
“As an update to that report, it is gratifying to note that, own communication intercepted and confirmed by accurate intelligence that a top Boko Haram Commander, ABU USAMAH, was among those Boko Haram insurgents killed during that encounter,” the statement explained.
The Army stated that Usamah had earlier sustained fatal gunshot wounds in the gun duel that ensued during the encounter before his foot soldiers hurriedly evacuated him and withdrew.
It added, “Nevertheless, Abu Usamah died in the process. His death has no doubt created a consequential vacuum in the Boko Haram leadership, particularly as the gallant troops remain resilient and continue to rout the criminal elements from their last enclaves in the North East.”
