Commanding Officer, 4 Missing Officers, Soldiers Found

  • 14 still missing

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that five of the three officers and 16 soldiers declared missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon Village in Borno State on July 20, 2016 have been found.

To this end, about 14 officers and soldiers are yet to be accounted for.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said that concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue the missing troops, leading to the return of five including the Commanding officer.

Usman said that the measures put in place for the search and rescue include the use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.

“We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found five more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit’s Commanding Officer,” he stated.

The Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Leo Irabor, had on Frida, confirmed that the troops with some Civilian JTF on return from clearing operation to Gongon village in Algarno forest general area ran into an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades.

Irabor said that the troops fought back killing many terrorists but 16 soldiers and 3 CJTF were wounded in action.

He, however, disclosed that some others, including the Commanding Officer, are missing in action but added that an immediate search party has been despatched to ensure that about six soldiers and four CJTF have rejoined unit.

He further disclosed there are three officers including the Commanding and 16 soldiers still missing, five of whom have now returned, remaining 14.

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