Suspected Boko Haram terrorists, Friday, at about 10.00pm attacked 119 Battalion Nigerian Army base in Borno State, killing one officer and four soldiers in the process, an Army Spokesman has confirmed. He said four other soldiers also sustained injuries in the attack.
Usman, however, said that the troops fought gallantly and repelled the attack, killing 14 of the insurgents.
The statement reads, ”Unfortunately, we lost an officer and 4 soldiers, while 4 other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter. One of those killed in action, was Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion.
”It would be recalled that because of the late senior officer’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9th September, 2015 during an operational visit.