By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
The Defence Media Operations (DMO) of the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Saturday gave its reports on the attack on the Borno State Civilian relocation committee by Boko Haram/Iswap elements in Borno state.
A Press release signed by the Coordinator, DMO, MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force and Civilian Joint Task Force was ambushed by members of the BHT/ISWAP at Barwati village on 25th of September 2020 but the attack was successfully repelled by the gallant troops.
According to ENENCHE a total of 18 lives including 4 soldiers, 10 Policemen and 4 civilians were lost during the sad incident.
The Coordinator however said contrary to reports from various sources, the casualties recorded were as a result of the explosion from the multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted on the road by the terrorists.
The statement reads: “The convoy of the Borno State Civilians Relocation Committee comprising Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force and Civilian Joint Task Force was ambushed by members of the BHT/ISWAP at Barwati village on 25 of September 2020.The attack/ambush was however successfully repelled by the gallant troops. Sadly, a total of 18 lives including 4 soldiers, 10 Policemen and 4 civilians were lost during the sad incident.
“Troops on hot pursuit of the insurgents successfully recovered 3 vehicles. Two of the vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police that were earlier carted away by the terrorists during the attack. Similarly, one BHT gun truck was also captured.
“The casualties recorded were as a result of the explosion from the multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted on the road by the terrorists.
“The Nigerian Army has since deployed bomb and IED disposal teams to ensure effective route scanning and clearance to forestall future occurrence”, the statement said.
