No fewer than four army officers were killed on Friday night by Boko Haram terrorists who ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade while on a routine patrol around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, confirmed the Boko Haram attack in a statement released on Saturday, saying the soldiers were attacked while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
The statement read, “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 Forest.”
She said, “The patrol team, which was led by the Commander, 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), courageously fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.”
She noted, “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 for their bravery, she stated that the Army’s high leadership sympathizes with the families and colleagues of the fallen gallants for their valiant contribution to the nation.
“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander.”
She admonished the public to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant servicemen and women.
“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 theaters 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,” she said.
