Several Nigerian soldiers are missing following an attack by suspected militant Islamists on their positions near the border with Niger, the army has said in a statement.
It did not give a number, but confirmed that 13 other soldiers had been wounded and evacuated for treatment following the battle in the Gashigar area
The statement said:
The temporary setback made the troops to withdraw from the location.”
Boko Haram has waged an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009
FULL ARMY STATEMENT
TROOPS SUFFERS SET BACK IN GASHIGAR
Yesterday at about 5.30pm suspected escaping remnants of Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops location at Gashigar, border area with Niger Republic, northern Borno State. The troops did their best to defend the location in vain. In the process, 13 soldiers sustained injuries while some are still missing in action.
The temporary setback made the troops to withdraw from the location.
However, the wounded soldiers have been evacuated and receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing in search of those missing and clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area.
You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations
