Unspecified numbers of Nigerian military personnel and civilians are missing following a deadly ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Baga, near the fringes of Lake Chad.
The ambush occurred on Tuesday as soldiers and a group of civilians attempted to recover the bodies of 40 residents killed in an earlier attack by the insurgents.
Sources within the armed forces, speaking anonymously to Channels Television, confirmed that the troops faced heavy gunfire, leading to multiple casualties.
“Our troops went in search of dead bodies of civilians killed by the terrorists. We went too far, and the terrorists ambushed us. A combined team of the armed forces and civilians was involved. There was an exchange of fire, and they killed some of our soldiers. We are yet to ascertain the exact number of casualties as some soldiers are still returning to base,” the source revealed.
A local civilian source in Baga disclosed that about 50 individuals, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and young men, had mobilized to recover the bodies of slain residents but were ambushed by Boko Haram fighters.
“Only one person has returned so far. We are awaiting others, but we fear the worst,” the source added.
The attack in Baga follows a separate incident in Gwoza, where six people, including five reportedly repentant insurgents, were killed in an assault involving the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters.
This series of attacks underscores the ongoing insecurity in Borno State, where communities and military personnel remain under threat from Boko Haram’s violent activities.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the military or government regarding the incident.
Efforts to recover the bodies and ascertain the number of casualties are reportedly ongoing.
The situation highlights the continued need for enhanced security measures and support for affected communities in the region.