Members of the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, last night attacked the 119 Battalion of the Nigerian Army located at Mallam Fatori in the northern part of Borno State.
A statement released by Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, confirmed the attack. The attack, which took place around 10 pm (Nigerian time), claimed the lives of one officer and four soldiers. "One of those killed in action was Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion," said Colonel Usman. He did not name the other casualties. In addition, four other soldiers reportedly sustained injuries in the gun battle.
Colonel Usman stated that Nigerian troops fought gallantly to repel the attack, killing 14 Boko Haram terrorists.
Colonel Usman disclosed that the late officer's "exceptional bravery and gallantry" had earned him accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel, adding that the felled officer "was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9th September 2015 during an operational visit."
Colonel Usman stated that the troops recovered one machine gun, seven AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition from the Boko Haram fighters.
