16 soldiers missing during battle with terrorists

The Army also announced that an officer, who is a cousin of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, was killed during an attack at Kangarwa by the terrorists.

According to Daily Post, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, said “On July 20, troops with some Civilian JTF conducted clearing operation at Gongon village in Alagarno general area.

“Our troops destroyed Boko Haram camps and captured a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft gun, an RPG tube, a Light Machine Gun, three AK-47 rifles and other logistic items of the terrorists.

“However, when own troops were returning to their defensive location, they ran into an ambush by the terrorists who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades.

“’The troops fought back gallantly killing many of them; sadly, 16 soldiers and three Civilian JTF were wounded in action; some others, including the Commanding Officer, are missing in action.

“A search party has been dispatched; so far, six soldiers and four Civilian JTF have rejoined unit, the wounded are stable and responding to treatment.

“Currently, there are three officers and 16 soldiers still missing.”

Irabor also said “On June 25, own troops at Zabamari in conjunction with Civilian JTF conducted clearing operation at Masu Yiwa, Ladin Buta, Fazaka, Kesa Gala, Tabla, Fahinde, Shiroro, Gizina, Maska-Aribe and Maska Lawanti in Mafa LGA

“At Maska Lawanti, the army troops encountered the terrorists during the operation but successfully cleared the area.

“As a result, two terrorists were killed and two others were wounded, while many escaped with gunshot wounds and two motorcycles were also destroyed.”

Boko Haram members reportedly during a raid in Alau village in Borno State.