Five military personnel have been confirmed dead from an Improvised Explosive Device planted in an ambush by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect at Pidang-Bita village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.


The attack came barely a week after Brigadier General Abdulmalik Biu, who hails from the area assumed duty as the new acting General Officer Commanding  7 Division, Nigerian Army.

The incident was confirmed in a press statement released on Thursday night by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu.


The statement read: “Troops of 271 Task Force Battalion deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole today, Thursday 31 May 2018, while on clearance operation along Pridang -Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, fought through an ambush staged by elements of Boko Haram terrorists.


“During the fight troops ran into Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried along Pridang – Bitta road by Boko Haram terrorists before encountering the ambush.

“In the fire fight that ensued, the gallant troops fought through the ambush, they neutralized several Boko Haram terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

“Sadly, five military personnel paid the supreme price as a result of the Improvised Explosive Device attack.

“The remains of the deceased personnel have been promptly evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.”