4 soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack on military base in Borno

At least four Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following a Boko Haram attack on an army base in the Ngamdu general area of Borno State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Lt. Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists launched a fierce assault using Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) targeting both troops and military equipment.

The statement added that troops swiftly responded with heavy firepower, inflicting significant casualties on the insurgents. However, four soldiers were killed in action, while five others sustained injuries during the exchange.

The statement reads : “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.

“The terrorists employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting troops and own platforms. Despite the intensity of the attack, troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting significant losses on the terrorists.  Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter.

“The terrorists attempted to prevent reinforcements and inflict further casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR). This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear 3 IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement.

“In response to the attack, troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility. Credible intelligence confirms heavy terrorist casualties, with reports indicating mass burials of about 15 bodies conveyed in pushcarts by the terrorists for burial around Bula Wura, near Wasaram.

“As part of continued efforts to dominate the area, 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations  aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of action and consolidating operational gains.

“The  gallantry and resilience of the troops have been commended and the public assured that normalcy would be sustained with operations ongoing to maintain peace and security in the area.”