The Nigerian military has confirmed the killing of its troops by Boko Haram terrorists in the Alargano axis of Borno State, blaming the deaths on suspected local informants of the terror group who allegedly the leaked the movements of the troops to the terrorists.
The terrorists then successfully used the information provided by their local collaborators to stage an ambush and shot at military logistics trucks conveying fuels and ammunitions which resulted in fire engulfing the convoy, triggering massive explosions that led to the deaths.
But the military disputed the figure that 70 soldiers were killed in the ambush. It put the figure of the killed at 47.
Coordinator of Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major
General John Enenche told journalists in Abuja that between 21 and 23 March
2020, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, were on clearance and fighting patrol
operation to Gorgi in Borno State which was successfully done.
“However, during a consolidation operation, they were ambushed by elements of
Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT). Sadly, the Nigerian military suffered some
casualties in the unfortunate attack. However, the Air Component of OPERATION
LAFIYA DOLE scrambled immediately and provided Close Air Support to the ground
troops.
“While the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform as well
as the fighter jets engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists immobilising killing some
of the terrorists and immobilizing a gun truck. Some others who attempted to
withdraw, were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks. The Defence
Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who
paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed forces and other security agencies in
furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East
and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against
the enemies of our nation.”