The Nigerian Army, on Tuesday, said its troops had repelled attack coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents at a military formation in Kukareta, Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.
In a statement, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said the insurgents had on Monday about 6:30 pm, attacked a Military Forward Operational Base, in Kukareta community of Yobe State.
Nwachukwu said that the gallant troops engaged the insurgents in fierce battle and repelled the attack, killing many of them, adding that a soldier was wounded in the attack.
He disclosed that 13 soldiers and two police personnel also lost their lives when they ran into an ambush by the insurgents on Damaturu-Maiduguri Road.
“In another encounter; troops of 1 Division on escort duty along Damaturu – Maiduguri Road, yesterday fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists.
“The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a fire fight, courageously wading through the ambush. Sadly, 13 military and a police personnel including an officer, paid the supreme price while extricating themselves from the ambush.
“A clearance operation to pursue and eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists’ ambush party is still ongoing,” he said.
According to him, bodies of the gallant soldiers and the wounded were evacuated, adding that the wounded soldier was currently receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Tuesday, organised a feast to celebrate the Christmas for officers and personnel engaged in the war against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
The grand Christmas Lunch was held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), 105 Composite Command, Maiduguri.
Abubakar, who was represented by AVM Muhammad Muhammadu, the Chief of Policy and Plans, NAF Headquarters, said the gesture was to enable the personnel celebrate the season in a happy mood.
He said: “It is our tradition to host celebration of festive season for officers and personnel to foster comradeship and appreciate your efforts in the war against insurgency.
“I commend your sacrifices and urge you not to lose focus; maintain high vigilance and combat readiness throughout the festive season.
“Our objective is to ensure lasting peace in the Northeast and the country at large,” he said.
Abubakar lauded President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and provision of equipment to the service.
The air chief reiterated the commitment of the service to be disciplined and professional in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.
AVM James Gwani, the Air Task Force Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, explained that the feast was part of the CAS’s commitments to improve the welfare of the personnel.
Gwani added that the gesture demonstrated NAF’s leadership commitment to giving the personnel a sense of belonging and improvement of their well being to boost their morale.
According to him, the Christmas lunch is designed to enable personnel who are away from their families to celebrate the season in a happy and joyous atmosphere.
Gwani reiterated the commitment of the service to defeating Boko Haram insurgents and restoration of peace to the region.
Also, Wing Commander Muhammad Umar, the Commander, 105 Composite Command, commended the CAS over his commitment to the improvement of personnel welfare.
Umar disclosed that the NAF authorities had approved the construction of additional 30 blocks of apartments for service men and women, and another 10 bedroom apartments for officers as well as religious places of worship in the command.
He noted that a number of viable projects, including office and house accommodation as well as equipment, were provided in the command to enhance its campaign against the insurgents.
Some of the servicemen and women expressed joy over the feast organised to enable them celebrate the season, adding that it gave them a sense of love while they were at the frontline.
The event was attended by senior military officers, representatives of the police, security agencies, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), community and religious leaders.
