An Army Captain and a soldier lost their lives in a midnight attack by Boko Haram terrorists on Izge community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed that the attack occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday when the terrorists infiltrated the farming community, firing sporadically. Personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces, supported by local hunters, vigilantes, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, successfully repelled the assailants, killing three terrorists in the process and recovering items from the fleeing group.
Recovered items included several motorcycles, bicycles, an operational vehicle, and a sophisticated rifle belonging to the attackers.
In an interview with Channels Television, the Emir praised the military, Civilian Joint Task Force members, local hunters, vigilantes, and the resilient Izge community for their collective efforts in repelling the attack. He offered prayers for the fallen military personnel and their grieving families during this period of irreparable loss.
The Emir also called on the Federal Government to take urgent action to address the resurgence of such attacks as preparations for the farming season commence.
“My people in Izge community came under Boko Haram invasion today at about 1am. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the supreme price. But in a brave and swift reaction from the military, men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Local hunters, vigilantes and the resilient community the attack was repelled with killing of three terrorists.
“As the community is still trailing the terrorists, over 10 bicycles, motorcycles, one sized military vehicle and one sophisticated rifle with ammunition were recovered from the terrorists.
“Let me commend our military forces, other security agencies, men of CJTF, local hunters and vigilantes and our resilient people for their bravery, because as I speak, many people are still in the bush combing the whereabouts of the fleeing terrorists.
“Let me equally commend our passionate governor, Professor Babagana Zulum for his relentless efforts in providing enabling resources to the security agencies and our CJTF members in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists which has brought about relative peace and resettlement of many displaced people back to their ancestral homes.
“I want to equally call on the federal government to equip our security forces with technological warfare/weapons to defeat the remnants of Boko Haram members terrorising our communities almost on daily basis”.