[UPDATED] Nigerian Army Confirms Attack on Troops in Borno, Denies Abduction of Brigade Commander
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters ambushed and attacked Nigerian troops in Borno State on Friday.
According to statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, the attack which took place at Wajiroko in Azir-Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno, led to the loss of four four persons including two soldiers and two Civillian Joint Task Force (CJTF) fighters.
The Army spokesperson, however, denied earlier reports that the Brigade Commander, Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M. Uba was abducted by the insurgents.
FACTSHEET reports that the attack on Nigerian troops comes days after ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters engaged in a fierce battle of supremacy in Nigeria’s troubled northeast.
In the official statement of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Anele’s statement says that, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, praised the courage and resilience of the troops.
“He said their unwavering commitment in one of the country’s toughest theatres of operation remains a testament to the sacrifices made daily to keep Nigeria safe.”
The identity of the fallen soldiers and the CJTF were not made available at press time
