A Nigerian Army Captain and a soldier have lost their lives in a midnight ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Izge, a farming community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Emir of Gwoza, Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the incident during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, stating that the attack occurred around 1 a.m. when the insurgents invaded the community, firing sporadically to instill panic.
According to the emir, the Nigerian Armed Forces, backed by local hunters, vigilantes, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling the assault.
“In the course of the counteroffensive, we lost a brave Army Captain and a soldier. However, the troops killed three of the insurgents and recovered several items including motorcycles, bicycles, an operational vehicle, and a sophisticated rifle,” the emir said.
This latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in Nigeria’s northeast, despite ongoing military operations under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at restoring peace in the region.
Residents of Izge and surrounding communities are reportedly still in shock, although the situation has been brought under control following a reinforcement of security personnel.
Security analysts continue to call for enhanced surveillance, better equipment for frontline troops, and more robust community intelligence networks to preempt such attacks.
Sources: Channels Television, Nigerian Army field reports, Local security source.
