The Nigerian Army has acknowledged an ambush on troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Borno State, confirming the deaths of four security personnel but dismissing reports that a senior commander was abducted during the attack.
In a statement released on Friday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said the troops were returning from a counter-terrorism mission in the Sambisa Forest when they came under heavy fire from insurgents near Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area.
Troops Repel Ambush
According to the Army, the patrol team—led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General M. Uba—fought back fiercely, overwhelming the insurgents and forcing them to retreat.
“Despite the sudden and intense attack, the soldiers responded with superior firepower and successfully broke through the ambush,” Anele said.
Casualties Recorded
Two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in the exchange. The military described them as “brave and heroic personnel” who died in active service to secure communities in the troubled area.
The Army High Command extended condolences to their families and praised the fallen operatives for their sacrifice in one of the country’s most volatile theatres of conflict.
Rumours of Abduction Denied
Anele also addressed viral online reports claiming that the Brigade Commander had been kidnapped in the attack, describing the speculation as false and misleading.
“The public is urged to disregard the fake news circulated by some platforms. The Brigade Commander was not abducted,” she clarified.
COAS Hails Troops’ Bravery
Reacting to the incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, applauded the courage and resilience displayed by the soldiers during the ambush.
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He commended their dedication to national security despite the dangers associated with operating in the northeast, noting that their commitment is a “powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices made by Nigerian troops to keep the nation safe.”
