At least three Nigerian soldiers have been killed after Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists launched an assault on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Wajiroko area of the terror-ravaged northeastern state of Borno.
The attack, which occurred around 10pm on Monday, resulted in casualties among Nigerian troops, including the Brigade Commander and two other soldiers who sustained injuries, according to a military signal seen by KOIKI Media on Tuesday.
Intelligence from a surveillance drone indicated visible fire around the base, and several troops were seen retreating toward Sabongari, suggesting that the base may have been overrun by insurgents.
“At approximately 242205A MAR 25, own troops at FOB Wajiroko came under attack by BHT/ISWAP terrorists. This prompted the Brigade to call for air support in addition to deploying a reinforcement (RFT) team immediately. However, the RFT team encountered an IED along the MSR. Consequently, a second RFT, led by Comd 25 BDE, Brig Gen UF Abubakar (N/10661), was dispatched toward Azir Bridge,” said the military signal.
“At approximately 250045A MAR 25, while the second RFT was still en route, the Brigade Commander’s Hilux vehicle encountered an IED between Damboa and Azir Bridge. As a result of the explosion, some three Soldiers were KIA. Additionally, the Brigade Commander and two soldiers, 22NA/82/5757 PTE Mohammed Hashim and 12NA/68/7570 CPL Ibrahim Musa, sustained injuries (WIA).
“Details of the attack on the FOB remain sketchy. However, the Phantom pilot reported observing fire around the FOB and saw scores of soldiers running toward Sabongari, suggesting that the FOB may have been dislodged. Further details of the attack will be provided as soon as they become available.
“The general security situation within the AOR remains fluid. Troops remain on maximum alert.”
The Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack and the identities of the slain soldiers are being withheld because their families have not been contacted by the authorities.
However, sources indicate that reinforcement efforts are ongoing, and troops are on high alert as they assess the security situation in the area.
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