By Obinna Uballa
Boko Haram terrorists on Friday night ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a routine patrol around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing four security operatives.
In a statement on Saturday, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the troops were attacked while returning from a successful patrol on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.
“Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under sudden and heavy insurgents’ fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forests,” the statement read.
She confirmed that the patrol team, led by the Commander of 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, consisted of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). They reportedly fought through the ambush with “superior firepower,” forcing the terrorists to retreat.
“During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation,” she said.
Anele commended the troops for their gallantry and said the Army high command expresses its condolences to the families and associates of the fallen personnel.
She also dismissed social media reports claiming that the Brigade Commander was abducted during the attack, describing the information as false.
“The Army Headquarters debunks the fake narrative being circulated online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander,” she stated, urging the public to disregard the rumour.
She quoted the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as saluting the “uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice” of troops operating in one of the country’s most dangerous conflict zones.
Last month in Borno State, Boko Haram terrorists killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko, alongside several soldiers, during an attack in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area.
