Two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed when terrorists ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a routine patrol around Wajiroko in the Azir Multe area of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
In a statement on Saturday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the patrol team led by Brigadier General M. Uba was returning from operations near the Sambisa Forest when the terrorists opened heavy fire. The troops fought through the attack and forced the insurgents to retreat.
The Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and commended the troops for their resilience. It also dismissed reports circulating online that the brigade commander had been abducted, urging the public to ignore the claim.
Military authorities reaffirmed their support for troops deployed in the region, noting their sustained commitment in one of the country’s most dangerous conflict zones.
The statement reads, “WAJIROKO TERRORISTS AMBUSH: BRIGADE COMMANDER LEADS TROOPS BACK TO BASE
“Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgents fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
“The patrol team which was led by the Commander 25 Brigade Brigadier General M Uba and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) courageously fought through the insurgents ambush with superior fire power, forcing them to withdraw in dissaray and to abandone their mission.
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“During the encounter two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation. While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserates with families and associates of the deceased gallants for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.
“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation. Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe.”