Army Recovers Bodies of Commander, 6 Soldiers K!lled by Boko Haram in Borno Ambush

Troops backed by air support thwart ambush during recovery operation in Damasak axis

News Write-Up

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered the bodies of a commanding officer, a major, and six other soldiers who were killed during a Boko Haram attack in the Damasak area of Borno State.

Earlier reports had indicated that seven soldiers were killed in the attack on Monday, while the commanding officer and 12 others were believed to have been captured alive by the insurgents.

However, top security sources have now confirmed that the commanding officer, seven soldiers, and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were later killed by the terrorists.

According to the sources, the bodies were recovered on Wednesday following a fierce ground battle between troops and Boko Haram fighters, with the operation receiving critical air support.

“It was initially believed that the commanding officer was captured alive, but it was later confirmed that he was killed alongside the others,” one of the sources disclosed.

The source explained that the insurgents had been hiding in surrounding bushes and attempted to ambush troops during the recovery operation. However, reinforcements were quickly deployed, and with the support of air operations, the terrorists were forced to retreat.

Some of the bodies were recovered during the engagement, while others were found as troops advanced through the area. The remains were later airlifted to Maiduguri after the operation.

Narrating how the incident occurred, the source said the troops were advancing toward a major terrorist camp located between Damasak and Geidam when they were ambushed.

“They appeared to have prior knowledge of the operation. The troops were encircled midway, and the attackers opened fire,” the source said.