An Army Captain and a soldier have been killed by Boko Haram terrorists in an early morning attack on Izge community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, who confirmed the incident.
“It’s true that my people in Izge came under Boko Haram attack around 1 a.m. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the supreme price,” the Emir said.
He, however, noted that the troops, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, vigilantes, and residents, repelled the assault, killing three terrorists. The insurgents reportedly abandoned over 10 motorcycles and several weapons as they fled into the bush.
“Our gallant troops and local volunteers continue to pursue the fleeing terrorists,” the Emir added. He also prayed for the fallen soldiers and praised the security forces for their bravery and coordination.
“May Allah (SWT) grant the departed souls Jannatul Firdaus. Our courageous men are still in the bush, sacrificing their lives to protect our communities,” he said.
The Emir commended Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for providing logistics support to security forces and urged the Federal Government to enhance their operations with modern technology.
The attack in Gwoza comes amid a resurgence of Boko Haram activity in the North East. On Saturday, the insurgents launched a deadly assault on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing at least four soldiers and destroying several military assets.
That attack occurred less than 24 hours after the North East Governors’ Forum met in Damaturu, Yobe State, where they adopted a multidimensional approach to tackle the worsening security crisis.
Buni Yadi, located about 65km from Damaturu, is the hometown of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.
These incidents come just two weeks after President Bola Tinubu directed service chiefs to end the rising wave of killings in the region.