The ambush of the Army Chief’s convoy by the terrorists according to a statement issued in Maiduguri and signed by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, occurred at Faljari village between Mafa and Dikwa
At the end of the hot exchange, 10 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, 5 terrorists were captured, and one soldier was killed while one officer and 4 other soldiers sustained severe gunshot injuries.
The statement reads, “The leading column of the Chief of Army Staff convoy was today (Saturday) ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Faljari village between Mafa and Dikwa.
“The terrorists encountered an overwhelming fire power from the troops in which 10 of them were killed. The troops captured five terrorists.
“During the encounter, sadly, we lost a soldier, while an officer and four soldiers sustained gunshot wounds.
“The arrested terrorists have been sent for interrogation while the remains of the gallant soldier and the wounded soldiers were evacuated back to Maiduguri.
“The wounded soldiers are stable and responding to treatment at 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Y Buratai who was on an operational visit to boost morale of his officers and men, visited troops at Mafa, Dikwa and Logomani.
“At 112 Task Force Battalion locations Mafa, he commended the troops and enjoined them to continue to be hardworking and dedicated.
“At Dikwa, the COAS interacted with a mammoth crowd of internally displaced persons where he assured them of their safety. Thereafter, he addressed some elements of 112 Battalion in which he told them that the Boko Haram terrorists should not have any freedom of action or movement within their area of responsibility.
“At Logomani, where troops of 7 Division Strike Group where refitting, he informed them that Nigerians are very proud of them”.
“It would be recalled that the unit recaptured Dikwa and is now heading to the next objective. He also said that he was adequately briefed by the GOC 7 Div about their problems. He also delivered President Buhari’s goodwill message.
Continuing Col. Usman said, “One interesting aspect of the visit was that Nigerian Air Force led by the Chief of Air Staff; Air Marshal SB Abubakar gave air cover and conducted armed air reconnaissance on the general area”.
“While the IDPS were excited with presence of the COAS, troops at various locations were equally in high spirit and ready for any challenge (good to go). The troops indicated their readiness to carry out assigned tasks.”