The commander identified by the JTF as Bakaka, a close associate of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, was killed early Sunday during a gun battle with the military, a statement from the Joint Task Force (JTF) said.
The JTF further said it recovered guns and IEDs after the battle, while it took some members into custody.
“In the early hours of Sunday, 7th October 2012, men of JTF in Damaturu, Yobe State on cordon and search operation in suspected Boko Haram hideout at Kandahar and the cemetery areas of Damaturu engaged in a gun battle with the suspected terrorists.
“About thirty (30) suspected Boko Haram Terrorists were killed in the battle which lasted several hours. In the battle, the notorious, one-eyed Bakaka, the field commander of Boko Haram in Damaturu and a close associate of Abubakar Shekau was killed. Ten (10) others arrested during the battle are presently assisting investigators to track other senior members of the terrorist group.
“Six (6) rifles, ninety (90) rounds of ammunition, several handsets and sim packs were recovered. Other items recovered include; knives, bows and arrows, diggers, knives and two (2) keke napep tricycles. Also, three (3) cans of IEDs recovered were detonated.
“JTF wishes to appreciate the support so far received from the peace-loving and law abiding people of Yobe State urging them to volunteer more information that will lead to arrest of other suspected terrorists. JTF further requests that people should remain calm and go about their lawful activities as efforts are geared towards ensuring the safety of lives and property….” The JTF said in a statement by spokesman Lieutenant Eli Lazarus.
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