The dreaded Boko Haram terror group have reportedly killed about 70 soldiers in an ambush around Alagarno area of Borno State.
As reported by TheCable Newspaper, a Major and three other officers were amongst the 70 deaths recorded on the side of the Nigerian Army.
RootstvNigeria reached out to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major-General John Enenche for comment, he said details of the incident will be given at a press conference slated for 2:00 pm.
A military source was quoted to have confirmed that the troops, on operation Ayiso Tamonuma, had first advanced to Alagarno area in Borno state on Saturday through Sunday, and though they ran into an ambush, no soldier was killed.
The troops were also said to have ran into a second ambush as they moved into Goniri area in Yobe and “this time were overpowered by the insurgents who “wiped out the entire artillery troop”.
“The Boko Haram insurgents attacked the rear convoy where the multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) and sinotruk (yellow bucket) loaded with soldiers were positioned,” a source said.
“Boko Haram utilised their rocket-propelled grenade ( RPG) fire and other support weapons on the vehicles and inflicted heavy casualties on the troops, wiping out the entire artillery troop.
“The full details of the casualties can’t be ascertained now. However, according to our contacts, it was confirmed that at least over 50 soldiers were killed and some of the KIA (killed in action), were burnt beyond recognition. Details of the names of the KIA is not known yet as it was difficult to identify the corpses.”
