A Nigerian Army Captain and a soldier have lost their lives following a midnight attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Izge community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the incident during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday.
According to him, the attack occurred around 1 a.m. when the insurgents stormed the farming community, shooting sporadically.
Timta explained that troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces, supported by local hunters, vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), swiftly responded and successfully repelled the attack.
He stated, “My people in Izge community came under Boko Haram invasion today at about 1 am. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the supreme price.
“But in a brave and swift reaction from the military, men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Local hunters, vigilantes and the resilient community, the attack was repelled with the killing of three terrorists.”
The Emir added that the community and security forces were still combing nearby bushes for fleeing terrorists and had recovered several items left behind by the attackers.
“As the community is still trailing the terrorists, over 10 bicycles, motorcycles, a one-sized military vehicle and one sophisticated rifle with ammunition were recovered from the terrorists,” he said.
Commending the efforts of the security operatives and local volunteers, the monarch stated, “Let me commend our military forces, other security agencies, men of CJTF, local hunters and vigilantes and our resilient people for their bravery, because as I speak, many people are still in the bush combing the whereabouts of the fleeing terrorists.”
He also appreciated Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his continued support to security personnel and the CJTF, which he said has aided the return of displaced persons to their communities.
“I want to equally call on the federal government to equip our security forces with technological warfare/weapons to defeat the remnants of Boko Haram members terrorising our communities almost on a daily basis,” the Emir appealed.
The attack marks another episode in the ongoing battle against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, highlighting the bravery of military personnel and the collaborative efforts of local defense groups in safeguarding rural communities.
