The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force after Boko Haram terrorists ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a patrol in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Friday night around Wajiroko in the Azir Multe axis, a location close to the fringes of Sambisa Forest, where insurgents continue to operate despite recent military pressure.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the patrol team was returning from a successful mission when the insurgents launched a sudden heavy attack.
According to her, the team — led by the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba — responded with “superior firepower,” forcing the terrorists to retreat and abandon their objective.
She disclosed that two soldiers and two CJTF members lost their lives during the fierce engagement. The Army described them as individuals who “paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation.”
Anele added that the Army high command deeply sympathises with the families of the fallen operatives, praising their commitment and courage.
The statement also dismissed reports circulating online alleging that the Brigade Commander had been abducted. “The Army Headquarters debunks the fake narrative… and advises the public to disregard such falsehood,” she said.
She quoted the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as commending the troops’ resilience, calling their actions a reminder of “the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant servicemen and women to keep Nigeria safe.”
Friday’s ambush comes barely a month after Boko Haram terrorists killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Paiko, along with several soldiers, in an attack around the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area of the state.
