The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency had been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.
Following the killing of at least 69 soldiers within three days by Boko Haram/Islamic States West Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno state, the Nigerian Army has yet to officially speak on the grave losses.
A military source told SaharaReporters that the soldiers were killed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Mallam Fatori, a town new Niger Republic boarder, Tasmukawu in East of Ngamdu, Kaga Local Government Area, Monguno and Gudumbali, a village in the Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.
“On Wednesday, the insurgents targeted a military base in Mallam Fatori with 3 mortar shells, killing at least 10 soldiers after detonating 2 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
“On Thursday, the group laid an ambush as a military convoy drove past on a routine patrol around Kauwa in Gudumbali, a village in Kukawa LGA. The soldiers were being supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
“The ambush left at least 20 military personnel dead.
“On Friday, Boko Haram terrorists killed 6 soldiers in an attack on a military checkpoint in Tasmukawu, east of Ngamdu.
“The insurgents also killed about 33 soldiers during an ambush on troops of the Special Forces Brigade in Monguno. About 20 soldiers were injured in the attack,” a military source told SaharaReporters.
He added that several civilians were killed and others abducted by the insurgents.
Authorities of the Nigerian Army have however been silent on the incidents.
Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, have killed thousands and displaced millions in North-Eastern Nigeria.
The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency had been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.
In the past months, soldiers have been targeted by the insurgents.
Over 200 soldiers and officers have been reportedly killed since January 2021.
At least 33 soldiers were recently killed when two vehicles loaded with explosives rammed into a military convoy in Wulgo.
The suicide bombers were identified as Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and Bana Jundullah. The group also claimed four military vehicles were destroyed.
In February, about 20 soldiers were also killed in Malari, Borno State by the insurgents.
SaharaReporters gathered that the soldiers were on patrol to clear some Boko Haram elements in the area following a credible intelligence when they were ambushed by the group.