Four soldiers are feared to have lost their lives after Boko Haram terrorists ambushed troops at Auno, near Jakana on the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway in Borno State.
It was gathered that the attack happened on Thursday night at about 10:50 pm. Sources among the soldiers in the area said the victims were part of a reinforcement team heading to support colleagues who had come under attack.
One of the soldiers, who spoke anonymously on Friday, said the insurgents set up a “maximum” ambush using controlled mines.
He narrated, “We lost soldiers there. They ambushed them last night. The troops went for reinforcement and four soldiers died immediately.
The location is, when you pass Jakana coming from Damaturu, there is a village called Auno under Unit 3 Battalion. Boko Haram attacked them around 10:50 pm. The troops killed were the standby soldiers. When there is an attack, they are the ones sent to reinforce. While going, Boko Haram laid a maximum ambush with controlled mines.”
Another security source identified one of the deceased as Saidu, describing him as a lively and cheerful soldier.
“Me and Saidu were in the same barracks. He was very funny. They were on their way to rescue fellow soldiers who were under attack when they encountered the ambush,” he said.
Attempts to obtain confirmation from the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful.
Auno, situated about 24 kilometres from Maiduguri along the Maiduguri–Damaturu road, has remained a highly volatile area. The community is regarded as a major hotspot for Boko Haram and ISWAP activities, with frequent attacks targeting both military positions and civilians in recent times.
(PUNCH)
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