The Defence Headquarters has confirmed a surprise attack carried out by an unconfirmed number of BH/ISWAP terrorists on troops deployed at stabilisation operations pro-force and defence site in Gubio LGA of Borno State.
Sources had told Channels Television that the attack happened over the weekend, leading to the death of some soldiers.
But in a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, said the coordinated attack saw five soldiers killed in action.
Ten were wounded, and four missing while troops eliminated several terrorists and recovered weapons.
“The coordinated attack saw five killed in action soldiers, 10 wounded, and four missing in action, while troops eliminated several terrorists as well as recovered weapons,” he said on Tuesday.
The statement added that some equipment including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator were burnt by the enemy forces.
According to the DHQ, a reinforcement team with air components was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route.
“Subsequently, a reinforcement team with an air component was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route,” the DHQ said.
“However, it is pertinent to note that such an attack shall not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism, insurgency, and other insecurity challenges facing the country.”
As the military high command and troops mourn and commiserate with the souls of the lost gallant soldiers the statement says the Armed Forces remain committed to putting an end to all security challenges plaguing the nation.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor has commiserated with the military over the death of soldiers in Kareto.
A release signed by the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security Usman Tar, Governor Babagana Zulum says the attack reminds the state of the callousness of the deadly Boko Haram terrorists.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Borno, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the armed forces and families of the deceased over the demise of our fellow compatriots. May Allah rest their souls and grant fortitude to the affected families,” the governor said.
