Army confirms death of 2 soldiers, 2 CJTF operatives in Borno ambush

Army confirms death of 2 soldiers, 2 CJTF operatives in Borno ambush

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed when Boko Haram insurgents ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade on Friday night in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred around Wajiroko in Azir Multe as the troops were returning from what the Army described as a successful patrol around the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said the troops—led by the Commander of the 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba—came under “sudden and heavy insurgent fire” during the routine patrol.

“Despite the surprise attack, the troops, supported by CJTF members, fought bravely with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray,” the statement said.

Anele confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF operatives “paid the supreme price in active service to the nation.”

She added that the Army high command deeply commiserates with the families of the fallen personnel and praised the troops for their gallantry in one of the country’s most volatile theatres of conflict.

The Army also dismissed reports circulating online alleging that the Brigade Commander had been abducted in the ambush, describing the claim as “fake” and urging the public to disregard it.

Quoting the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Anele said the military remained proud of the troops’ “uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice” despite the grave dangers they face daily.

Friday’s ambush came 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.