Four Nigerian soldiers lost their lives on Saturday in a clash with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters along the fringes of Lake Chad and Tumbus, the Nigerian Army announced on Monday.
Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima in a statement said troops of Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole were on a clearance patrol when the incident occurred.
Yerima said the troops fought gallantly and destroyed the insurgents’ gun trucks as well as captured their ammunition.
“As they (troops) commenced the second phase of their operations and advancing along the Kukawa-Monguno road, about 14 kilometers to their base, they sighted BHTs/ISWAP gun trucks and swiftly commenced pursuit with heavy fire and deft maneuver,” the statement read.
“In the course of the hot pursuit which was aided by air cover provided by the Air Task Team of Operation Lafia Dole, several terrorists were neutralised and their gun trucks destroyed.
“Unfortunately however, 1 officer and 3 gallant soldiers paid the Supreme sacrifices while those wounded in action are currently receiving medical attention at 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Maimalari Cantonment.
“Above is on-the-spot account of the encounter between Nigerian troops and the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Monguno area and environ.
“Members of the public are assured that the troops are on top of the situation and working assiduously to end the insurgency and terrorism in country in line with the directives of the Chief of Army Staff.”
