Four soldiers have been confirmed dead following a terrorist assault in the Ngamdu general area of Borno State.
The region has endured repeated attacks from insurgents, particularly from the notorious Boko Haram group.
Initial accounts from residents claimed that 10 soldiers were killed during the incident.
However, in a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, it was clarified that four personnel lost their lives while troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled the attack through a prompt response from forces on ground and reinforcements from the 29 Task Force Brigade.
He disclosed that, “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 were reported to have attempted to block reinforcements and increase 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.”