AMBUSH: COMMANDING OFFICER, 4 MORE MISSING IN ACTION SOLDIERS FOUND.
The Nigerian Army said on Saturday that 5 more soldiers out of those that went missing in a gun battle with Boko Haram terrorists who ambushed the soldiers while returning from a clearance operation at Guro Gongon on 20th July 2016.
Recall that the few days ago that 19 of its soldiers and three members of the Civilian JTF who were returning from a clearance operation of Boko Haram terrorists camps in a village in Borno, suffered gunshot injuries after they ran into an ambush and engaged in a gunfight with the terrorists.
An unspecified number of the terrorists which military sources put at 25 and 30 were killed while several others ran into the bush with their blood stains littering the escape routes of the terrorists.
Many soldiers and some members of Civilian JTF were however said to have gone missing in action (MIA) following the bloody battle prompting the Army authorities to send re-enforcements to go for rescue operations of those that may still be alive.
A statement signed by Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations said, “Please recall that some of our troops were missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon on 20th July 2016.
“Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them.
“The measures include the use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.
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“We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning (Saturday), found 5 more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit’s Commanding Officer.
“Although they are in a stable condition, have been moved to our Medical facilities for medical care.
Recall that at the time of the ambush, a statement from Army headquarters had said, “Troops on clearance patrol at Guro Gongon village and environs to rout out remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating therein, destroyed the terrorists’ makeshift camps and recovered quite a number of weapons, equipment and foodstuff in the process.
“The recovered items include 1 Gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, a MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 1 Light Machine Gun, 3 AK-47 rifles and motorcycles.
“However, the gallant soldiers basking on the recorded success, returning to their defensive locations, ran into an ambush by a group of Boko Haram terrorists who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades.
“The troops fought back gallantly killing several of the insurgents.
“Sadly however, 19 soldiers and 3 civilian JTF members were wounded in action while a few others were missing in action.
“The wounded have been evacuated and are responding to treatment, while a search and rescue party comprising of Special Forces personnel has since been dispatched to establish contact with the missing in action troops, some of whom, as at the time of filing this report, have 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.”
END
