According to the reports on Thursday (16 January), Boko Haram terrorists ambushed Nigerian military troops in Baga, near Lake Chad, during an operation to recover the bodies of 40 civilians killed in a prior attack. According to anonymous military sources, the soldiers were met with heavy gunfire, resulting in several deaths, though the exact number remains unknown as troops are still returning to base.
The ambush also targeted a group of 50 civilians, including members of the civilian joint task force, hunters, and vigilantes, who had mobilized to retrieve the bodies of villagers killed by the terrorists. Out of the group, only one person has returned to the village, with others feared dead or missing. The attack underscores the persistent danger faced by both the military and civilians in the region.
The tragedy followed an earlier attack by suspected Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where scores of farmers were killed. Civilians from Baga mobilized to recover the remains of the victims, but their efforts were thwarted by the ambush, further exacerbating the loss of life in the area.
In another incident, an attack in Gwoza led to the deaths of six individuals, including five reportedly repentant insurgents and members of the civilian joint task force. These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges in Borno State, as insurgent activities continue to threaten both military personnel and civilian populations.
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