GOC Escapes Boko Haram Ambush, Soldier Killed

•Also, 2 officers, 22 soldiers wounded in Kareto battle

By Senator Iroegbu

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, has escaped an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in the northern part of Borno State.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the terrorist group engaged the military in a fierce battle that lasted for several hours in their daring attempt to capture 113 Battalion at Kareto close to the border with Niger Republic.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed the latest development, said that the leading convoy of the GOC  was ambushed by suspected terrorists about 8.30am on Tuesday while en route to visit troops in Bama.

Usman also confirmed that a soldier lost his life and two others were injured in the attack. He however said that the troops “were able to clear the ambush, killing some of the terrorists and recovered  vehicle and weapons from them”.

He listed some of the items recovered to include a Toyota Hilux vehicle,  two AK-47 rifles and several ammunitions.

The Army spokesman also said that the “GOC has continued his operational visit to Bama, while the body of the late soldier and the wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri”.

He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has also spoken with the GOC.

Usman also stated the Nigerian Army’s “unalloyed commitment and determination to continue to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists  wherever they might be hiding”.

In a related development, the DAPR has also confirmed that two officers and 22 soldiers were wounded in the battle with Boko Haram terrorists in Kareto, Borno State on Monday.

He said the wounded are already being treated at the Military Hospital in Maiduguri.

“Please recall that Boko Haram terrorists attacked our troops location at Kareto, northern Borno State this morning. The troops successfully repelled  the attack and killed quite a number of the terrorists.

“The situation has since been brought under control and reinforcement sent. So far our troops had two officers and 22 soldiers wounded in action. All of them have been evacuated to Military Hospital Maiduguri  where they are receiving treatment,” the statement read.

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