Troops destroy Boko Haram's 'spiritual power base', rescue 63 hostages

The Nigerian Army on Friday said the troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion of 25 Task Force Brigade, 7 Division have destroyed the spiritual power base of Boko Haram located inside Alagarno forest in Borno State.

The Army also announced in a statement the rescue of 63 persons who were in the captivity of the sect during separate operations at Lawin Meleri, Matiri Bulaka and Aljeri villages. Five members of Boko Haram were killed, the Army said.

The Army also said the destruction of the sect's spiritual power base was carried out following a tip off. It also said carried an 'operation around Alagarno forest general area, destroying terrorists camps at Mosa, Ariwuzumari and Kagalmari, as well as Missene, Joba, Yajiwa and Sansan.'

'During the operations, the troops were able to clear all the camps, killing quite a number of terrorists and recovered Boko Haram terrorists flags hoisted on some premises, destroyed their logistics base and recovered 31 motorcycles, assorted foodstuffs, a donkey and a pick up van, AK-45 rifle with registration number 17714 and a Dane gun.

'Other items recovered include 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, 4 loaded magazines of AK-47 rifles and 2 magazines pack. - Guardian.