Boko Haram ambush: Eight soldiers missing from 233 Battalion

ABOUT eight soldiers missing at the Yobe sector of northeast war theatre.

Eight soldiers are believed to be missing or dead after a weekend ambush of the Nigerian Army 233 on routine patrol in Yobe state.

Although military sources fear they may have paid the supreme sacrifice while manoeuvring out of an ambush laid for them by the Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe state, lafia dole spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu in a release confirmed that indeed there were some casualties.

A military source in Damaturu told the Tribune Online that the figure may be higher because of the number of soldiers badly wounded who may be needing superior medical treatment in tertiary facilities.

He, however, hinted that they were still combing the area along Sasawa road where the unfortunate incident happened over the weekend to ascertain the exact figures of those wounded.

Lafia Dole spokesman confirmed in a release on Sunday that the 233 Battalion actually neutralised scores of the Boko Haram insurgents along Sasawa Road in Babangida Local Government Area of Yobe State while countering an ambush staged by them.

ALSO READ: 2019: Saraki set to launch presidential bid

“The troops encountered the ambush during a fighting patrol to clear the general area of fleeing elements of Boko Haram terrorists who have been on rampage for food and logistics.

“The gallant troops overpowered and neutralized the insurgents in the firefight that ensued and successfully extricated themselves from the ambush.

“Information has so far confirmed that the insurgents whose original mission was to attack and loot the nearby Babangida market for food and other logistics aborted the mission to stage the ambush on getting wind of the troops’ patrol.

“Unfortunately, while fighting through the ambush, the troops recorded some casualties,” Said Colonel Nwachukwu.

Nwachukwu said the situation has been brought under firm control by the troops while additional troops have been drafted to the area to reinforce the patrol troops.

Additionally, the Air Task Force is on aerial surveillance of the general area to track down fleeing terrorist survivors to ensure they are neutralised.