In a tragic incident around the Lake Chad area of Borno State, Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly ambush on Nigerian Army personnel, resulting in the death of a lieutenant and two vigilante members.
The attack followed the recent military takeover of the Boko Haram enclave in Krenowa, Marte Local Government Area, just five days prior.
Sources revealed that the soldiers, part of the 50 Task Force Brigade, faced heavy bombardment at Krenowa, compelling them to withdraw and leave behind 12 out of 15 motorbikes deployed for the operation. Despite the soldiers’ strength, numbering over a hundred with various equipment, they retreated to Marte town.
During the ambush, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) tank sustained damage, and the driver managed to escape with a leg injury. A soldier recounted the unexpected attack, mentioning the terrorists’ hidden position that led to the soldiers taking shelter at the headquarters of the 27 Task Force in Marte town.
Unfortunately, the bodies of the slain lieutenant, a member of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and another vigilante member could not be immediately recovered due to the intense firepower from the insurgents.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the military high command proved unsuccessful, as calls to the mobile phone of the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, went unanswered. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the region in their efforts against insurgent groups.
