The Nigerian military has finally confirmed the killing of an Army Lieutenant in a fresh ambush by terrorists around the Buratai area of Borno.
The military maintained silence after the reported ambush trended for over 15 hours on social media since Saturday.
However, at exactly 4.07 pm, Defence Media Operations spokesman, Major General Edward Buba hinted that one officer was killed while the four injured soldiers were responding to treatment.
The viral reports on social media alleged that a Colonel and six soldiers were killed in the ambush in Borno.
But Army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu who was contacted by The Guardian to speak officially on the development last night, simply noted: “I don’t have the information”.
According to General Buba, “On April 5, 2024 at around 9.35.am, Troops of Operation HADIN KAI encountered terrorist ambush along Road Buratai – Buni Gari.
“Sadly, during the encounter, troops lost a Lieutenant that was killed in action. While four personnel were wounded in action and receiving treatment.
“Troops reinforcement pursued the terrorist to their hideout within the Timbuktu Triangle and made contact. Troops neutralised six of the terrorist recovering five AK 47 rifles and 103 rounds of the 7. 62mm special ammunition.
“The remaining terrorist ran in dissaaray. However, troops are in hunt of the remnant terrorist that fled the firefight.”
It was gathered that the Boko Haram insurgents ambushed the soldiers at Kamuya, a village just a few kilometres drive from Buratai.
The development comes a week after the Nigerian Army buried 17 officers who were gruesomely murdered while on a peace mission in the Okuama community, Ughelli in Delta State on March 14, 2024.
