Nigerian Army Rescues 5 Ambushed Soldiers and Officers from Boko Haram

Nigerian Army Rescues 5 Ambushed Soldiers and Officers from Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army on Saturday, announced the rescue of five ambushed soldiers and officers who were among those declared missing in action on Wednesday after a surprise attack by terrorist group, Boko Haram.

A commanding officer, three officers and 16 soldiers were declared missing in action after the ambush during a military operation at Guro Gongon in Borno state on Wednesday, according to PM News.

Nigerian Army spokesman, Col Usman Sani, in a statement on Saturday, said the commanding officer of the troops was among those rescued early Saturday morning.

He added that the ambushed soldiers and officers were rescued after “concerted efforts” and were now in stable condition at a military facility.

“The measures included the use of air assets, special forces and patrols.

“We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found five more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit’s commanding officer.

“Although they are in a stable condition, they have been moved to our medical facilities for medical care,” he said.

The theatre commander of the army’s anti-insurgency campaign in the north-east tagged Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj Gen Leo Irabor, had on Friday at a press briefing about the ambushed soldiers and officers, said up to 19 military personnel were missing.

The ambushed soldiers and officers were said to be returning from a successful major operation against the insurgents at Gongon village in Alagarno general area of Borno State, when other members of Boko Haram ambushed them.

Col Usman had also in an earlier statement said that “Special Forces personnel” were dispatched to establish contact with the missing in action troops, some of whom he said, had started returning to their defensive location.

“It is pertinent to state that, no stone would be left unturned until every person involved in the operation has been accounted for,” Usman had said.

It would be recalled that up to 105 soldiers similarly went missing in action last year after a battle with Boko Haram but subsequently rejoined their formations after some days.