Boko Haram Didn’t Attack Us, Army Denies ‘Killing Of 30 Soldiers’

The Nigerian Army has debunked a report that 30 soldiers were killed after Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base.

According to reports, Boko Haram terrorists in large number stormed the base, in Zari village in northern Borno state, on Thursday evening and engaged the troops in a fierce combat.

Zari is located 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the town of Damasak on the border with Niger.

“They came in large numbers in trucks and carrying heavy weapons and engaged soldiers in a battle that lasted for an hour,” a military officer who pleaded anonymity told AFP.

“We lost at least 30 men, they overwhelmed the troops who were forced to temporarily withdraw before reinforcements arrived.”

The insurgents were said to have carted away “weapons abandoned by fleeing troops”.

Another military source, who also confirmed the development, said the terror group also suffered huge casualty, as they were pushed out of the base by a fighter jet.

“The terrorists also suffered heavy casualty from the bombardment”, the military officer said.

But reacting in Sunday, the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen., Texas Chukwu, said the soldiers were never attacked by the insurgents.

“Look for my release on Friday morning you will see the report. Point of correction, Boko Haram did not come to attack our soldiers. Soldiers were the one…” Chukwu was quoted as saying by the Cable.