Seven Nigerian soldiers, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, were killed on Monday after Boko Haram insurgents ambushed a military convoy in Borno State, Chronicles Reporters has learnt.
The attack occurred along the Maiduguri–Damasak route in Mobbar Local Government Area while troops were on a movement led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed, who had recently risen from the rank of Major.
According to military sources, the convoy was hit with improvised explosives followed by intense gunfire. While seven bodies were recovered and taken to the 7 Division Hospital in Maiduguri, several other soldiers sustained serious injuries. Some personnel are still unaccounted for as search efforts continue.
Sources disclosed that intelligence reports had earlier indicated terrorist activity in the area. Acting on this information, the commanding officer reportedly mobilised his men for a surveillance operation but they were ambushed en route.
In a disturbing development, the attackers allegedly seized the late commander’s mobile phone. Senior officers who later attempted to reach him reportedly had their calls answered by the insurgents.
Borno State remains one of the epicentres of the long-running insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East. Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out repeated attacks over the years, leaving thousands dead and forcing millions from their homes.