The Nigerian Army has confirmed that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed when Boko Haram terrorists ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a routine patrol around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State on Friday night.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said the troops were attacked while returning from a successful mission around the fringes of the Sambisa Forest. She explained that the patrol team, led by Brigadier General M. Uba, fought fiercely and overpowered the insurgents with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat.

Anele confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF operatives lost their lives in the encounter, noting that the Army leadership commiserates with their families and honours their sacrifice. She also dismissed circulating claims alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander, describing them as fake and misleading.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, praised the courage and resilience of the troops, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to defeating terrorism. Last month, a similar attack in Borno claimed the life of Lt.-Col. Aliyu Paiko, Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, alongside several soldiers in the Kashimri area of Bama LGA.