A new report has confirmed that top Nigerian army commander has been ambushed and killed by Boko Haram terrorists.
Men fo the Nigerian Arm (File photo)
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the death of B.U. Umar, a
lieutenant colonel, in a Boko Haram ambush. The army commander was
killed after soldiers of his 114 TF battalion were ambushed by Boko
Haram who used explosives on the battalion.
Mr. Umar died immediately in the attack which took place at about
9:30 a.m. on the 15th of November 2016. Also, another officer, a
lieutenant, died later from the attack while eight others were injured.
This was revealed on Wednesday by the commander of the Nigerian
Army in the north-east, Lucky Irabor, during a press conference, who
said: “On 15 Nov 16 at about 0930hrs own troops while on patrol to
MUBI encountered an IED explosion along Bitta – Pirang road and
thereafter were ambushed by BHT”, Mr. Irabor, a major general, said,
according to the text of a press conference he delivered on Wednesday.
“Troops successfully cleared the ambush after a fight and
unfortunately the Commanding Officer, Lt Col BU Umar lost his life on
the spot. Subsequently, Lt Muktar also died in the hospital where 8
others soldiers who are wounded in action were receiving treatment. The
wounded soldiers have been responding to treatment”.
He added: “In all the operations, a total of 5,235 people were rescued from the BHT”, Mr. Irabor said while detailing the achievements of Nigeria’s troops in the last two months.
The major general described the recent upsurge of suicide bombers
as very unfortunate. He, however, said the impacts of the blasts have
been minimal as only the bombers got killed in most cases.
“The impact of recent bombings in Maiduguri, though sad and
unfortunate, was minimal due to the alertness of troops and other
security agencies”, he said.
“Apart from the one wherein 2 CJTF personnel were killed and
some others wounded, only the terrorists died, while one was captured
alive. The captured suicide bomber is assisting in the investigation
into cases of suicide bombings. The incidents are only indicative of a
weakened and defeated BHT. Their ignoble adventure is destined to fail
totally.”
Mr. Irabor said soldiers have intercepted several arms and
ammunition from the insurgents. One of such interceptions was made on
November 13, he said.
“At about 2130hrs, own troops at FOB Potiskum arrested a
trailer truck with registration number Yobe (XA 960 NGU) along Potiskum –
Azare road enroute Kano based on information from DSS”, he said.
“The truck was arrested with 22 sharpened new cutlasses, a
knife, 7 catapults, 5 military belts, 41 iron rollers, 9 sharpened iron
rods, 6 hollow irons, a first aid box, 2 tents and various black and red
flags of IMN sect. The driver and 2 other persons were arrested with
the truck. The suspects and items have been handed over to the Nigeria
Police for further action."
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