Army confirms Boko Haram ambush on Theatre Commander’s convoy

The Nigerian Army has confirmed an ambush by the Boko Haram terrorists on the convoy of the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, on Monday.
The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Colonel  Aminu Iliyasu, in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that the attack took place about 2km to Auno in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Iliyasu said the Commander was returning from Jakana where he visited troops’ location following his earlier meeting at Auno with the Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State.
He said that the ambush was a clear display of misguided desperation to stage a reprisal following the recent neutralisation of several of their top commanders by troops on December 6.
According to him, the Theatre Commander led the gallant troops of his convoy to engage the insurgents with superior fire power, subduing them and thereafter assaulting the ambush site with his men.
He said: “This caused the criminal insurgents to flee the location in disarray.
“Other senior military officers in the Theatre Commanders’ convoy at the time of the ambush include the Deputy Theatre Commander, Major General  M.G Ali, Brigadier General E.I Eze, Brigadier General S.I Igbinomwanya and Lieutenant A.A Tejuoso.
“In the aftermath of the encounter, several Boko Haram criminal insurgents were decimated.
“Additionally, 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one camouflage trouser, one Nigeria Police Force fragmental jacket, 2 AK 47 Rifles and 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines were captured from the fleeing insurgents.
“Thereafter, the Commander and his convoy continued their trip and have since returned safely to the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Maiduguri.”
Iliyasu disclosed that two soldiers who were wounded in the encounter were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility and in stable condition.
According to him, the Theatre Commander, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, congratulated the troops for their resilience and courage.
He added: “He urges them not to relent in their efforts until all the remnants of the Boko Haram and ISWAP criminal insurgents are completely defeated.”