``A soldier began to shout armed robber on sighting the rifle and the suspect immediately began rapid firing at the soldiers in a bid to escape arrest and the soldiers engaged him in a duel before he eventually died.

``Our intention was to get him alive so he could give out information about his group. Sadly he died in a crossfire exchange but the other occupants of the car managed to escape during the gun battle.

``This is a victorious encounter, it also goes to show that the Boko Haram militants also use gun in addition to the Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) in carrying out attacks.

``The JTF is appealing for understanding and cooperation from members of the public so we can succeed in our mission.

``The JTF is a friend to all members of the public because we have come to liberate the people from the Boko Haram militants who have been terrorising them for a while,'' he said. (NAN)