23rd July, 2016
A commanding officer, three officers and 16 soldiers were declared missing in action following an ambush on Nigerian troops by Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday, 20 July.
Army spokesman, Col. Usman Sani who disclosed this on Saturday in a statement said the commanding officer of the troops was among those rescued early this morning, adding that they were in stable condition at a military facility.
Sani’s statement on the rescue of the soldiers read: ”It will be recalled that some of our troops were missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon on July 20, 2016.
“Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them. The measures included 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.
“Although they are in a stable condition, they have been moved to our medical facilities for medical care.”
The theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Leo Irabor, had on Friday at a press briefing, revealed that a commanding officer, three officers and 16 soldiers were still missing in action following an ambush on Nigerian troops by Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday, 20 July.
The troops were returning from a successful major operation against the insurgents at Gongon village in Alagarno general area of Borno State, when they were ambushed.