By Uzair Adam
An army captain and a soldier have been killed following a fresh attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Izge community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly stormed the community around 1 a.m. on Wednesday and engaged troops in a gun battle.
Confirming the incident, the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, said the attackers met strong resistance from the military and local security groups.
“It’s true that my people in Izge community came under Boko Haram attack around 1 a.m. Unfortunately, a captain and a soldier paid the supreme price,” he said.
He, however, noted that the joint efforts of the military, Civilian JTF, local hunters, vigilantes, and community members led to the killing of three insurgents.
He added that the attackers abandoned more than 10 motorcycles and weapons before fleeing into the bush, where security operatives are currently pursuing them.
While praying for the souls of the fallen soldiers, the monarch applauded their bravery and sacrifice in defending the area.
“May Allah (SWT) grant the departed souls Jannatul Firdaus. Our gallant men are still in the bush, sacrificing their lives to maintain peace,” he said.
He also appreciated the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, for the consistent logistics support and urged the federal government to equip security operatives with advanced technological tools to fight terrorism.
The North East region has witnessed a spike in insurgent attacks. On Saturday, at least four soldiers were killed in an attack on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, where equipment was also destroyed.
That attack occurred less than a day after the North East Governors Forum met in Damaturu, adopting a multidimensional approach to address insecurity in the region.
Buni Yadi is about 65 kilometers from Damaturu and is the hometown of the state governor, Mai Mala Buni.
The latest assault comes two weeks after President Bola Tinubu charged service chiefs to end the persistent killings.