Army confirms killing of colonel, captain, other soldiers by Boko Haram

                          
The Nigerian Army has confirmed report that Boko Haram terrorists killed a colonel, a captain and some soldiers on Wednesday.

Ripples Nigeria had reported on Thursday that the terrorist group on Wednesday killed the colonel, captain and four other soldiers.

But confirming the incident in a statement, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, in Charge of the 212 Battalion in the northeast, Col Ado Isa, said three soldiers, a Colonel and a captain were killed.

Isa explained that the incident took place in Borno/ Yobe states axis when troops were in hot pursuit of terrorists who came to attack a military base.

The statement read, “Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jakana, on Wednesday 17Th July 2019 dealt with and neutralised unconfirmed number of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists when they woefully attempted to infiltrate their base in dire need for logistics.

“The terrorists came at about 1845 hours in 7 Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by the gallant and patriotic troops who were vigilant and battle-ready.

“The terrorists couldn’t bear the firepower any longer after losing a significant number of both equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire.

“They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along the Benisheikh – Damaturu axis, – abandoning a damaged utility Gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items.

“Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and the following items were captured: one x Anti Aircraft Gun, two x Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes, two x AK 47 Rifles, fifteen x Machine Gun rounds and twelve x AK 47 NATO rounds.

“Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain, as well as 3 soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu, run into an ambush staged by the routed/fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis which led to their unfortunate death.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes reiterated that “Personnel of the Nigerian Army will never be deterred in the ongoing noble and patriotic fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East.

“He further commended the efforts of the entire troops in the theatre and charged them to remain focus, highly committed and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

“The sacrifices of the fallen heroes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency is no doubt painful to all, but that will further spur us to do more to ensure that our country remains secured, peaceful and free from terrorist activities for the overall interest of the nation.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, is said to have commiserated with the families of the fallen heroes.