Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonishakin, has admitted that a number of Nigerian soldiers went missing after a fierce gunfight with Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking on Friday, Mr. Olonishakin, a general, said the soldiers went missing due to some ‘operational issue’ during the battle with the terrorists.
Nigerian Online Newspaper, Premium Times had reported that at least 105 soldiers attached to the 157 battalion went missing after they came under intense attack from Boko Haram insurgents in Gudunbali, Borno State, on Wednesday morning.
”There were operational issues, but as I speak with you, the troops have re-joined their units,” the defence chief said in Jos when queried by media men.
Mr Olonishakin’s confirmation of the incident came hours after the army has had three self-contradicting statements on the incident.
ABOVE: President Buhari presents Lance Corporal Kenneth Kulugh with the Purple Heart medal for gallantry in the fight against Boko Haram during his visit to Nigerian troops in Yola, Nigeria, 13 November 2015. Photograph: Elombah.com
