The Nigerian army said on Wednesday that the 10 oil explorers contracted by the Nigerian National Corporation (NNPC), to prospect for oil in Borno state were rescued on Wednesday morning after a massive gun fight with Boko haram terrorists.
In the ensuing confrontation, the Army lost one officer, 8 soldiers while one civilian JTF member was also killed.
Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman in an update on the rescue effort, “On Tuesday, 25th July 2017, at about 3.30pm, suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the escort and team of NNPC staff returning from oil exploration at Barno Yasu, Magumeri LGA of Borno State.
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“So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the officer, 8 soldiers and a civilian, who have been evacuated to 7 division medical services and hospital.
“The team recovered 4 vehicles, one of which includes a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft gun, 2 white hilux, taken away from the NNPC staff and one hilux belonging to CJTF.
“The team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans, containing petroleum, oil and lubricant.
“Others are assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others. The team also neutralized many of the terrorists.
“The troops are not relenting in pursuit, search and rescue efforts for other victims”.
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