Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed an ambush by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on troops conducting stabilisation operations in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The clash resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
In a statement issued by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, it was disclosed that five soldiers were killed, 10 sustained injuries, and four others are currently missing.
Over 30 terrorists were neutralised, with several others fleeing with gunshot wounds.
“The attack resulted in the destruction of one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator,” Buba said.
He added that reinforcement teams, supported by air components, were immediately deployed to pursue the fleeing insurgents.
According to sources, the terrorists made repeated attempts to overrun a special military force stationed in Kareto, Gubio LGA.
“The first attack occurred on August 16 at 6:00 a.m., where 18 soldiers were killed, and several others injured, while six insurgents were neutralised,” a source revealed to Vanguard.
Another assault on Tuesday left five soldiers dead, but subsequent military engagements eliminated more than 30 terrorists.
The source noted, “No further casualties were reported on our side.”
The special forces had recently been deployed to Kareto to facilitate the return of displaced villagers by constructing protective trenches when the insurgents launched their assault.
The Defence Headquarters reassured the public that operations in the region remain ongoing and are being reinforced to counter persistent terrorist threats.