Nigerian Army authorities on Thursday said five soldiers died along the Pridang-Bita Road in Borno State after their vehicle stepped on Improvised Explosive Devices believed to have been laid by Boko Haram terrorists.
The spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, said in a statement that the incident, which occurred in Gworza Local Government Area, happened when troops of 271 Task Force Battalion fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists.
“Sadly, five military personnel paid the supreme price as a result of the Improvised Explosive Device attack,” Chukwu said.
He, however, said the troops neutralized a number of the terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Chukwu also said troops had rescued nine people held by the terrorists during a clearance operation in six villages in Borno State.
He named the villages as Jaje, Angwa Audu, Major Ali, Dabu Abdullahi, Dabu Wulkaro and Gori Jaji.
According to the spokesman, those rescued included two aged men, two females and five children.
“They are currently receiving medical attention at the military facility and will be handed over to the appropriate authority soon,” he said.