The Nigerian Army has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) after Boko Haram terrorists ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a patrol on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State on Friday night.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said the patrol team was attacked while returning from a successful operation around Wajiroko in the Azir Multe area of Damboa Local Government.
She explained that the team, led by the Commander of the 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, engaged the insurgents with superior firepower and forced them to retreat, but not without casualties on the part of the security forces.
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“During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation,” Major Anele stated.
The Army high command commiserated with the families of the fallen personnel and praised their courage in the face of danger.
The statement also dismissed rumours circulating online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander during the attack. “The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative… and advises the general public to disregard the fake news…,” it said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Waidi Shaibu, hailed the gallantry and resilience of the troops, describing their efforts as a reminder of the sacrifices made daily to secure the country.
The latest incident comes barely a month after Boko Haram terrorists killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Paiko, along with several soldiers, in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government, also in Borno State.
