The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade, operating in Borno State, were ambushed by terrorists while returning from an operation in the Sambisa Forest.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, describing the incident as a “regrettable loss” but clarifying that circulating reports of a kidnapped Brigade Commander were false.
According to Anele, the soldiers were heading back to their base after what the Army described as a successful counter-terrorism operation when the insurgents launched a surprise attack.
The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Responding to widespread reports suggesting that a serving Brigade Commander had been abducted during the incident, Anele said the claim was unfounded.
The statement reads, “Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgent fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
“The patrol team, which was led by the Commander 25 Brigade Brigadier General M Uba and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), courageously fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.
“During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation. While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserates with families and associates of the deceased gallants for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.
“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going around some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation. Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe.”