Two Nigerian soldiers were killed and three others injured after suspected terrorists ambushed troops during an operation in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security analyst and Lake Chad Region counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident in a statement released on Wednesday, saying the attack occurred around 10 p.m. on June 30.
According to Makama, troops of the 8 Division stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Tidibale were alerted to terrorist activities in Tagirke Village.
The soldiers responded to the report and engaged the assailants, forcing them to retreat after a gun battle and pursuing them beyond the village.
However, as the troops withdrew, the fleeing terrorists launched a second attack from a pre-positioned ambush along the route.
During the ambush, one of the Army’s gun trucks struck an improvised explosive device, killing two soldiers and injuring three others.
The bodies of the slain soldiers were evacuated to the mortuary of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, while the injured personnel are receiving treatment at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
The damaged gun truck was recovered and taken back to the military base.
Makama said troops have been deployed to track down the suspected terrorists responsible for the attack and recover any weapons that may have been lost during the encounter.
He added that ongoing operations to dismantle criminal networks in the area are continuing.
(The Whistler)