GOC escapes death, one soldier dead as Boko Haram insurgents lay ambush for soldiers en route Bama

The acting General Officer Commanding (GOC)division seven of the Nigerian Army, Victor Ezugwu, on Tuesday escaped a Boko Haram ambush on their way to Bama, Sani Usman, army spokesman has confirmed.

According to him, one soldier was killed while two were injured.

He said:

“The leading elements of the acting general officer commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu’s leading convoy was about 8.30am this morning ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists en route to visit troops in Bama.

“Although one soldier lost his live and two others were injured, they were able to clear the ambush, killing some of the terrorists and recovered vehicle and weapons from them. The recovered items include a Toyota Hilux vehicle, 2 AK-47 rifles and several ammunition.

“The acting GOC has continued his operational visit to Bama, while the body of the late soldier and the wounded have been evacuated to Maiduguri. The chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has also spoken with the GOC.

“The Nigeria army wishes to reiterate its unalloyed commitment and determination to continue to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding.”

This is coming just a day after the insurgents attacked an army base in Kareto, Borno state.

BBC subsequently reported that the insurgents had inflicted heavy casualties on the troops, but the army released a statement claiming its men had repelled the insurgents.

READ: Heavy casualties as Boko Haram insurgents attack army base in Borno