No fewer than 11 persons, including a commanding officer of the Nigerian Army brigade, soldiers, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, and vigilantes, were on Friday evening reportedly killed when Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists ambushed troops of 21 Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, along Kashimri village in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security sources, the insurgents launched the deadly attack while the troops were on their way for a clearance operation in the volatile area.
The source said, “Our troops were ambushed by Boko Haram terrorists while they were heading for a clearance operation in Bama. The commanding officer who led the team was killed alongside six soldiers, two Civilian Joint Task Force members, and two vigilantes.”
The terrorists, however, also suffered heavy casualties during the intense exchange of gunfire.
Credible military sources revealed that troops of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai swiftly responded with superior firepower, killing over 30 terrorists, while several others fled with gunshot wounds.
The military source said, “Unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Name withheld) with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter. Yes, our troops came under Boko Haram ambush along Bama-Kashimri village Friday night while on clearance operations.”
“Troops responded swiftly and neutralised dozens of the terrorists, as scores fled with gunshot wounds,” the source added.
The source further noted that despite the loss, troops remained resolute and in high fighting spirit as operations continued across multiple fronts to sustain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.
