>
By Emmanuel Adeleke
Six soldiers have been reportedly killed during an attack by gunmen on Tati village, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the village on Tuesday night around 10pm, and engaged the troops of 93 battalion in a fierce gun battle.
But the troops overpowered the gunmen, killing six soldiers and abducting one commanding officer, a lieutenant colonel.
The army announced Dauda Tata (7NA/44/4046), Yusuf Salihu (95NA/40/5031), Ndubuisi Okonkwo (96NA/42/6911), Abdullahi Ibrahim, Emmanuel Jerry (14NA/72/14051) and Sani Isa as the casualties.
According to reports, military sources said the gunmen also ambushed and attacked troops reinforcement deployed from Mararaba, but the troops carried out anti-ambush drills to fight their way out.
The sources said two gunmen were killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm(SP), one pistol, seven rounds of 9mm ammo, one locally-made gun, three MCs, charms and a sum of N15,120.
A search and rescue operation was reportedly ongoing for the abducted commanding officer.