The Defence Headquarters says said troops have launched a manhunt for terrorists who attacked soldiers in Borno State.
The PUNCH had on Tuesday reported that Boko Haram/Islamic terrorists launched a surprise attack on troops deployed at stabilisation operations pro-force and defence site in the Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack resulted in the death of five soldiers, 10 were wounded while four went missing in action.
The troops were said to have also killed several of the terrorists during the attack.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, in the statement confirming the incident on Tuesday, said some equipment, including one gun truck, three TCV and excavator, were burnt by the enemy forces.
Buba said, “An unfortunate and surprise attack was carried out by an unconfirmed number of BH/ISWAP terrorists on their own troops deployed at stabilisation operations pro-force and defence site in the Gubio LGA of Borno State. The coordinated attack saw five soldiers killed in action, 10 wounded and four missing in action, while troops eliminated several terrorists as well as recovered weapons. Also, some equipment, including one gun truck, three TCV and an excavator, were burnt by the enemy forces.
“Subsequently, a reinforcement team with air components were dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorist’s withdrawal route. However, it is pertinent to note that such an attack shall not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism, insurgency and other insecurity challenges facing the country.”
However, speaking in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, Buba said the troops had gone after the terrorists.
He vowed that the troops would avenge the loss of the attack on the terrorists.
Buba said, “Yes, troops have gone after the terrorists. The terrorists will be made to pay for their actions.”
The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.
