Nigerian Army Recovers Bodies of Officer, Soldiers Killed by Boko Haram in Borno

The Nigerian Army has recovered the bodies of a commanding officer, a major, and six soldiers who were killed during a Boko Haram attack in the Damasak area of Borno State.

Initial reports had indicated that seven soldiers were killed and the commanding officer, along with 12 others, were captured by the insurgents. However, security sources confirmed that the officer, seven soldiers, and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were later killed by Boko Haram.

The bodies were recovered on Wednesday following intense ground operations supported by airstrikes. Some were found after troops engaged insurgents hiding in nearby bushes. During the recovery, Boko Haram fighters attempted to ambush the soldiers, but reinforcements and air support forced the insurgents to retreat.

The recovered remains were airlifted to Maiduguri for proper handling.

Sources said the attack occurred as troops were advancing toward a major Boko Haram camp between Damasak and Geidam. The insurgents, reportedly aware of the operation, encircled the forces and opened fire midway through the advance.