The Nigerian Army has refuted the reported abduction by ISWAP terrorists of the Commander, 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, in an ambush, describing the widespread report as fake.
The Army High Command, therefore, urged citizens to disregard the fake news regarding the incident, while confirming the killing of two military personnel and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in an ambush during a routine patrol at Wajiroko, in Borno State.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele said the troops were on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area, before they came under sudden and heavy fire from insurgents while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
According to the statement, the patrol team, led by Brig.-Gen. Uba comprised troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the CJTF.
Anele said the team courageously fought through the ambush with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray and abandoning their mission.
She, however, said that two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price during the encounter while serving the nation.
The Army High Command, while commending the troops for their gallantry, commiserated with families and associates of the deceased gallants for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict.
“Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe,” he said.
