Army Colonel, Captain & 3 Soldiers Killed in gunfight with BHT at Jakana/ Many terrorists eliminated.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a Colonel, a Captain and 3 soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu ran into an ambush staged by fleeing terrorists from the Jakana during a firefight with troops, which led to their unfortunate death.

This is as it said troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jakana, on Wednesday 17Th July, 2019 dealt with and neutralised unconfirmed number of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists.

A statement by Col Ado Isa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, said the terrorists were killed “when they woefully attempted to infiltrate their (troops) base in dire need for logistics”.

Col Isa said, “The terrorists came at about 18.45 hours in 7 Gun Trucks and fought fiercely to infiltrate the camp, but the attack was thwarted with heavy fire and bombardment by the gallant and patriotic troops who were vigilant and battle ready.

“The terrorists couldn’t bear the fire power any longer after loosing significant number of both equipment and personnel in an exchange of fire.

“They lost initiative and withdrew in disarray along the Benisheikh – Damaturu axis, abandoning a damaged utility Gun truck which was earmarked to convey looted items.

“Troops immediately followed in hot pursuit and the following items were captured: 1 Anti Aircraft Gun, 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tubes, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 15 Machine Gun rounds and 12 AK 47 NATO rounds.

“Sadly, a Colonel and a Captain as well as 3 soldiers on transit from Maiduguri to Damaturu ran into an ambush staged by the routed/fleeing terrorists from the Jakana axis which led to their unfortunate death.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes reiterated that “Personnel of the Nigerian Army will never be deterred in the ongoing noble and patriotic fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East”.

He further commended the efforts of the entire troops in the theatre and charged them to remain focus, highly committed and professional in the discharge of their constitutional roles.

“The sacrifices of the fallen heroes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency is no doubt painful to all, but that will further spur us to do more to ensure that our country remain secured, peaceful and free from terrorists activities for the overall interest of the nation.”

Ado Isa, Colonel
Deputy Director Public Relations
Operation Lafiya Dole
19 July 2019