Boko Haram Ambush Troops, Kills Seven New Recruit, Abducts Female Soldier
Not less than seven newly recruited Nigerian soldiers have been killed with dozens injured after Boko Haram terrorists attacked an Army convoy in northern Borno State.
The troops were said to be heading to the town of Dikwa, 70 kilometres east of Maiduguri, when the Islamist group ambushed them, resulting in a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Three other soldiers, including a female, were declared missing after the incident, the Premium Times reported.
“There was a heavy gunfight. At least eight troops have been confirmed killed and two others injured. Boko Haram also suffered losses,” a military source in Maiduguri told AFP.
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“It was a surprise attack and this is what led to the casualty toll,” the source added on condition of anonymity, as he is not authorised to talk to the media.
Reports have it that the Army convoy was travelling through the Dikwa-Maiduguiri road on buses owned by the Borno State Government on Thursday night when the terrorists emerged in large numbers and opened fire on them.
The young soldiers, who were reportedly fresh from training are said to be members of the 76 Regular Recruit Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
The militants reportedly made away with several high calibre weapons including a gun truck, a mine detector, some AK 47 rifles, explosives and other weapons.
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The military have claimed repeatedly in recent months that Boko Haram, is in disarray and nearly defeated. In December, the Federal Government claimed the rebels had been driven out of their stronghold in Sambisa forest.
Nevertheless, there have been a number of attacks on military and police targets in Borno and the neighbouring states of Yobe and Adamawa, as well as deadly suicide bombings.
Today’s raid and recent attacks highlights the Islamist group’s capacity to strike despite government claims it’s been “technically destroyed”.
