Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night laid an ambush for troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade who were on a routine patrol around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the death of four security personnel.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the troops were targeted while returning from a successful mission along the outskirts of the Sambisa Forest.
According to her, “Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgents’ fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forests.”
Anele explained that the patrol team, led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General M. Uba, and comprising soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force members, “courageously fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.”
She also noted that “During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation.”
While praising the troops’ bravery, she said the Army leadership sympathises with the families of the fallen personnel.
Anele further stated that “The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander,” urging the public to ignore the misinformation.
She added that “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation. Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant servicemen and women to keep Nigeria safe.”
The incident comes barely a month after Boko Haram fighters killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko, and several soldiers during an attack in the Kashimri area of Bama LGA, also in Borno State.
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