The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of some of some of its officers in the battle against the insurgency group, Boko Haram, on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, Ado Isa, on Friday, the Army said the soldiers ran into an ambush by some fleeing terrorists.
“Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain as well as 3 soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu run into an ambush staged by the routed/fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis which led to their unfortunate death,” the statement reads.
While stating that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, had commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army said it would be undaunted in the battle against insurgency in the country.
Meanwhile, the Army, however, reported the Nigerian troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jakana, dealt with and neutralised unconfirmed number of terrorists.
The terrorists, it said, woefully attempted to infiltrate their base in dire need for logistics.
Several weapons were said to have also been recovered from the terrorists.
The statement by the Army spokesman reads:
TROOPS AT FOB JAKANA NEUTRALISE BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS
– Recover Gun truck, Arms, RPG tubes and Ammunition
Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jakana, on Wednesday 17Th July, 2019 dealt with and neutralised unconfirmed number of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists when they woefully attempted to infiltrate their base in dire need for logistics.
The terrorists came at about 1845 hours in 7 Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by the gallant and patriotic troops who were vigilant and battle ready.
The terrorists couldn’t bear the fire power any longer after losing significant number of both equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire.
They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along the Benisheikh – Damaturu axis, – abandoning a damaged utility gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items.
Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and the following items were captured:
- 1 x Anti Aircraft Gun
- 2 x Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes
- 2 x AK 47 Rifles
- 15 x Machine Gun rounds
- 12 x AK 47 NATO rounds.
Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain as well as 3 soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu run into an ambush staged by the routed/fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis which led to their unfortunate death.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes reiterated that “Personnel of the Nigerian Army will never be deterred in the ongoing noble and patriotic fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East”. He further commended the efforts of the entire troops in the theatre and charged them to remain focused, highly committed and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
The sacrifices of the fallen heroes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency is no doubt painful to all, but that will further spur us to do more to ensure that our country remains secured, peaceful and free from terrorists activities for the overall interest of the nation.
Ado Isa
Colonel
Deputy Director Public Relations
Operation LAFIYA DOLE
