Boko Haram kills five soldiers in Borno

The Nigerian army has been struck with the sad news of the death of 5 Nigerian soldiers, who were killed in the latest attack carried out by Boko Haram members in Pridang– Bitta in Gwoza local government area of Borno state.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Major Texas Chukwu, who confirmed the tragic incident, said in a statement that the incident, which occurred in Gworza Local Government Area, happened when troops of 271 Task Force Battalion fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists.

“Sadly, five military personnel paid the supreme price as a result of the Improvised Explosive Device attack,” Mr Chukwu said.

Mr Chukwu also said that troops had rescued nine people held by the terrorists during a clearance operation in six villages in Borno. He named the villages as Jaje, Angwa Audu, Major Ali, Dabu Abdullahi, Dabu Wulkaro and Gori Jaji. According to the spokesman, those rescued include two aged men, two females and five children.

“While on clearance operation along Pridang – Bitta in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, fought through an ambush staged by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists.

In the firefight that ensued, the gallant troops fought through the ambush, they neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The remains of the deceased personnel have been promptly evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital” he added.

The army has been battling to defeat the Boko Haram, whose activities have caused about 100,000 deaths since 2009, according to the Borno government. Efforts by security agencies have successfully limited the insurgents to the three North-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. In the past, the terror group carried out attacks and bombings in other parts of Northern Nigeria including Abuja and Kano.

Despite the military’s efforts, the terror group is still able to carry out attacks in the three states on both civilian and military personnel.