Army reacts as reports emerge of Boko Haram’s alleged killing of 70 soldiers

At least 70 soldiers have been reportedly killed by Boko Haram terrorists in the restive North East.

Military sources told journalists the soldiers were killed after insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades at a lorry carrying troops as it travelled near Gorgi village in Borno State on Monday.

“It was a huge loss, at least 70 soldiers have perished in the ambush,” one of the officers said on Tuesday.

A second officer said the jihadists specifically targeted the soldiers and launched their attack.

“The terrorists specifically targeted a truck loaded with soldiers with RPGs and incinerated the vehicle, killing all on board.

“So far 70 bodies have been recovered but the toll is certainly more than that as rescue operation is still underway,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has dismissed the reports that 70 soldiers were killed by the terrorists.

However, the force confirmed in a statement issued by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. John Enenche, that it suffered casualties in the terror attack.

The army claimed that some terrorists were also killed by the gallant soldiers.

He said: “As you know, we are in a fluid conflict situation and our gallant troops are out there at the frontlines. Between 21 and 23 March 2020, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno State which successfully done.

“However during consolidation they were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT). Sadly, we suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack.

“However the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled immediately and provided Close Air Support to the ground troops.

“While the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform as well as the fighter jets engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists immobilizing, killing some of the terrorists and immobilizing a gun truck.

“Some others, who attempted to withdraw, were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks.

“The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation.”