The Nigerian Army has acknowledged that soldiers from the 25 Task Force Brigade in Borno State were attacked in an ambush by insurgents, but dismissed circulating reports alleging that the brigade commander was abducted.
In a statement released by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the ambush occurred as troops were returning from a successful operation in the Sambisa Forest.
According to the statement, the patrol team, which included soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), came under intense enemy fire in the Wajiroko–Azir Multe axis of Damboa LGA.
The Army confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF members were killed during the confrontation.
Anele explained that the team was led by Brigadier General M. Uba, Commander of the 25 Brigade, who along with his troops fought back decisively, overwhelming the attackers with superior firepower and compelling them to retreat.
“The Army categorically debunks the false reports alleging that the Brigade Commander was kidnapped. The public should disregard this misinformation,” the statement emphasised.
The Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, praising their bravery and sacrifice.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, paid tribute to the troops, acknowledging their resilience in one of the toughest conflict zones in the country.
He described their courage as a reminder of the daily risks faced by military personnel working to keep Nigeria secure.
Sources told DAILY GAZETTE that the remains of the two CJTF members were transported to Maiduguri where they were buried.
