Insurgents ambush troops during clearance operation in Borno

Insurgents ambush troops during clearance operation in Borno

By: Bodunrin Kayode

About six solders two civilian joint task force (Cjtf) and three vigilante hunters lost their lives yesterday after an ambush in Konduga council area.

The insurgents are suspected to have ambushed the military convoy killing the Commander of 202 Tank Battalion Lt col Paiko and some soldiers while advancing into a clearance operation.

The attack which took place along Kashimri community in
Konduga council area of Borno state equally saw the demise of three vigilante members in the reinforcement convoy of the Commander.

An impeccable source stated that at least 11 people, including the commander of the Nigerian Army troops, were killed after the Boko Haram insurgents mounted the ambush at about midday on Friday.

Our source reported that they sighted ISWAP elements gathering in the general area and reported to Konduga forward military base for immediate action.

But Konduga for tactical reasons reached out to 202 Bama for reinforcement which was gladly volunteered and they hit the road running down to embark on the clearance operation before driving into the ambush.

The remains of the commander Bama has since been ferried to Maiduguri, while the Commander Konduga and other wounded troops were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for advance treatment.

Residents hinted that there was restriction of movement at Konduga Bama main road at about the time of the ambush till the end of the siege.

Our source added that that the clearance operation was a success as the insurgents suffered significant casualties during the exchange of gunfire between own troops and enemy.

The Nigerian Army was yet to issue an official statement on the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Insurgents ?ambush troops during clearance operation in Borno