Nigerian Army confirms death of another lieutenant colonel in Boko Haram ambush

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday confirmed the death of B.U. Umar, a lieutenant colonel, in a Boko Haram ambush.

Premium Times had reported how Mr. Umar and soldiers of his 114 TF battalion were ambushed by Boko Haram after an initial bomb explosion.

While Mr. Umar died immediately in the attack that occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on November 15, another officer, a lieutenant, died later from the attack while eight others were injured.

On Wednesday, the commander of the Nigerian Army in the north-east, Lucky Irabor, confirmed the incident.

“On 15 Nov 16 at about 0930hrs own troops while on patrol to MUBI encountered an IED explosion along Bitta – Pirang road and thereafter were ambushed by BHT”, Mr. Irabor, a major general, said, according to the text of a press conference he delivered on Wednesday.

“Troops successfully cleared the ambush after a fight and unfortunately the Commanding Officer, Lt Col BU Umar lost his life on the spot. Subsequently, Lt Muktar also died in the hospital where 8 others soldiers who are wounded in action were receiving treatment. The wounded soldiers have been responding to treatment”.

Mr. Irabor also said a total of 5,235 people have been rescued from Boko Haram captivity in the past two months.

-Premium Times