The military authorities also said that three soldiers have been killed while seven others injured are receiving treatment at a military hospital.
The DHQ added that about 20 terrorists have also been arrested while one soldier has been declared missing in the ongoing military combat operations to rout insurgents who have held the North-East region hostage since 2009.
The military disclosed that heavily armed terrorists have continuously engaged the Special Forces in combat but added that the necessary logistics have been successfully delivered to the forces.
This was even as security forces have scaled up efforts at ensuring the safety of states sharing borders with Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In a statement signed by the spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the DHQ said Special Forces troops have continued the advance and attack on identified terrorist camps.
It added that “patrols are also ongoing to secure towns and villages from infiltration, while curfews on identified flashpoints are being enforced.”
Olukolade said while the terrorists are fleeing their bases, they are also making last-minute efforts to evacuate their belongings, especially vehicles.
He said: “Dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards towards various borders.
“Their bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics, including scores of vehicles in their holdings.”
Olukolade said in the course of Special Forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensued since Saturday.
“After a mop-up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead, while, seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered. A total of 20 terrorist were apprehended as they fled.
“Altogether, three soldiers died, while seven are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing.
“Meanwhile, the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in fronts where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday.
“Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far.
“The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way as much as possible,” he said in the statement.
Soldiers have blocked roads out of Maiduguri to deprive Boko Haram fighters of supplies in remote towns they control.
Residents said yesterday that the Boko Haram stronghold in Maiduguri had been under blockade.
“There is a huge build-up of trucks loaded with essential commodities along the Baga road on the way out of Maiduguri to the northern part of the state,” said a resident, Ibrahim Yahaya.
“The drivers said they have been prevented by the military from going northward,” he told the AFP.
The phone network in Borno State has collapsed since the state of emergency was declared on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, a police source in Jos, Plateau State, said Governor Jonah Jang is effectively collaborating with security agencies in the state to avoid any infiltration by fleeing insurgents.
He said operatives are focusing on the Toro area of Bauchi State and other smaller villages bordering the Naraguta village in Jos.
The source, who would not want his name mentioned, said security forces have placed the whole state under surveillance.
He added that there is also a special focus on the Wase area of the state which he said shares borders with Bauchi State.
“The thinking is that when these boys (insurgents) run from Borno, they can easily get into Gombe or Bauchi from where they could move into Plateau State,” the source said.
In Abuja, there was no noticeable physical scale up of security measures, but National Mirror learnt that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, has been in contact with governors of neighbouring states to review the security situations of the territory and its five contiguous states. The states are Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Plateau.
National Mirror gathered that there had been an increased surveillance of Mpape town in Bwari Area Council of the territory.
There has been a damning security report on the town, which security sources say have some dark spots.
Olukolade said the current operation is “holistic enough” to forestall any threat in neighbouring states.
He advised Nigerians to remain extra vigilant and report any suspicious movements or people to security agencies.
“Every security agency is involved. All that is required now is vigilance, information, cooperation and understanding of all citizens,” he told our correspondent.
Kaduna and its environs have been placed on security alert following reported flight of the terrorists from Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
National Mirror gathered that some residents in the affected states have also moved with their families to Kaduna, Abuja and other areas for fear of uncertainty.
Speaking in a telephone interview with National Mirror at the weekend, Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olufemi Adenaike, said that the state had no hidden place for terrorists as security operatives are on ground.
Adenaike, however, called on the public to report any suspicious movement around them for security attention.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states is already yielding positive results.
President Jonathan, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said already, the armed forces are gaining ground and dismantling the insurgency from their hideouts.
“Mr. President notes that the efforts of the Armed Forces have already started yielding positive results, as available information confirms that the insurgents have been dislodged from their previously safe havens and camps while many have been apprehended, and their activities in the affected states have been brought to a total halt.
“The majority of the various camps where the terrorists have converted into their hideouts have been heavily bombarded, both by air and on land. And I’m just receiving a report that about 55 persons apart from (at least) 20 people were killed yesterday and another 55 people were apprehended yesterday in their attempt to flee from the various camps
“The progress is quite encouraging and we believe that if things go on like this, we should be singing hallelujah shortly,” Okupe said President Jonathan also expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the National Assembly for their understanding and support for the emergency rule.
Okupe said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the overwhelming support they have given to the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
“The President also thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and many of its members, who have through calls and personal visitations, given solidarity and support for this extraordinary step taken by the President in order to halt the mindless killings, bombings and general insecurity that had prevailed in that part of the country.
“The President also notes with gratification the positive disposition and understanding of the governors of the federation especially the Northern Governors’ Forum, leaders and elders in the North, traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural and political groups nationwide including opposition political parties, civil society organisations and the media.”
He said the President is appreciative of the efforts, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, who have demonstrated commendable patriotism and gallantry in compliance with the order of the commander-in chief.
The presidential aide added: “Mr. President also appreciates the encouragement by members of the diplomatic corps and international community and promises that as a disciplined force, members of the Armed Forces will operate according to acceptable international rules of engagement and will pay particular attention to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the affected states during this period of emergency rule.
“The President called on Nigerians irrespective of ethnic origins and religious affiliations, to rally round the Federal Government in this period of national travail in order that collectively, we will achieve success in this major fight against terror in our land, and return peace and stability to our nation with its attendant prosperity, growth and development in the affected region.
“The President has promised that at all times, the Federal Government will not relent or spare any effort that will guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians, and that all manner of criminality in our country would be fought uncompromisingly with all the powers and might available to the Federal Government.”
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