Army: Alleged killing of troops, kidnap of commander in Borno, fake news

•Brigade Commander leads troops back to base as 2 soldiers, CJTF die

The Nigerian Army has described reports making the rounds over the alleged kidnap of a brigade commander and killing of troops in an ambush by the Boko Haram terrorist group around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, as fake news.

The army said there is no truth in the rumour, which has gone virile on the social media. It advised the public to disregard the reports and pray for the continuous success of the gallant service men and women.

The army, in a statement, said Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy fire by insurgent while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

The statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, said the patrol team which was led by the Commander, 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M Uba and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) courageously fought through the insurgents ambush with superior fire power, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.

She said during the encounter two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation.

While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserated with families and associates of the deceased for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.