SAN FRANCISCO, May 26, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army has denied media reports that 25 soldiers were killed in an attack coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, made the denial in a Short Message (SMS) sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Sunday.
Some reports claimed 25 soldiers were killed on Saturday when the insurgents attacked a military convoy evacuating civilians on Damboa-Biu Road.
The fighters were said to have opened fire on the soldiers and the villagers who were reportedly occupying about 50 vehicles.
“They ambushed and surrounded the vehicles of both the soldiers and the civilians and opened fire on them,” a member of the civilian joint task force (JTF) reported.
“They exchanged fire for some minutes before the Boko Haram militants overpowered the soldiers.”
However, Musa dismissed the report as “rumour and fake”.
“Contrary to rumour and fake news circulating, there was no attack on any of our troops’ locations at Sabon Gari or any other locations in Borno State.
“I have spoken with the Special Force Commander in Damboa and he confirmed to me that there was nothing of such in Damboa or any of his locations as at Friday) and Saturday,” he said.
