By the time the booming of guns went down, 10 people lay dead.
The dead include nine suspected Islamists and one soldier. Two other security operatives sustained serious injuries.
Scene of gun battle was Ihima, in OkehiLocal Government Area of Kogi State.
The members of the security forces, comprising of the military and the Department of State Security, SSS,were said to be on their way to uncover a bomb factory allegedly operated by Boko Haram in Ihima when they came under attack by the Islamists
The security forces had acted on a tip-off barely one week after they uncovered another bomb factory in Kabba, the headquarters of Kabba LGA, Kogi State.
In the ensuing duel, nine Islamists and a soldier were killed while two members of the SSS were also injured.
In the course of the duel, the military deployed a helicopter for reconaissance and shelling of the Islamists bomb factory.
Bomb manufacturing materials discovered in Kogi State, yesterday.
Confirming the incident, the commandant, Nigeria Army Records, Lokoja, General Alphosus Chukwu, who led the operation, said the security forces, acting on a tip off, were on their way to Ihima to uncover another bomb factory, after the one in Kabba was unveiled, when they were engaged in gun duel by the hoodlums. He added: "We are already on top of the situation and the factory is now condoned off".
He advised law abiding citizens in the area to go about their lawful duties without any fear of molestation. Meanwhile, the governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, says his government would take care of the medical expenses of the injured security agents.
The governor, who stated this when he paid a visit to the injured security men at the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja, said government will continue to work with the security forces to rid the state of criminals. He called on the security agents not to be deterred in the onerous task of providing security for the citizenry.
By Isiaka Oyibo, 1 April 2012
from allAfrica
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