The Nigerian Army has said efforts to locate its missing troops, following an ambush on them by the Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Borno State is still ongoing.
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Troops rescued 80 women and children being held by militants in Garere village in Borno state, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, an army spokesman, said in an e-mailed statement this week.
A commanding officer, three officers and 16 soldiers were declared missing in action following an ambush on Nigerian troops by Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday, 20 July. The measures include the use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.
“Although they are in a stable condition, they have been moved to our medical facilities for medical care”, he said.
Many soldiers and some members of Civilian JTF are however said to be missing in action (MIA) following the bloody battle prompting the Army authorities to send re-enforcements to go for rescue operations of those that may still be alive.
“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. 16 other soldiers and three civilian militia helping the army fight Boko Haram were also wounded”.
The raid helped to recover heavy weapons including a truck with an anti-aircraft missile.
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The missing soldiers had reportedly killed many assailants, according to General Lucky Irabor.
