Four Nigerian Army soldiers have been confirmed dead following a Boko Haram ambush at Auno, near Jakana, along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway in Borno State, in yet another deadly attack on security forces operating in the North-East.
The incident occurred when troops on routine movement along the strategic but volatile road came under sudden attack from insurgents believed to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, security sources disclosed.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on the soldiers from concealed positions, taking advantage of the terrain and the relative isolation of the area to launch a coordinated ambush that resulted in fatal casualties.
Although details remain sketchy, sources within the military confirmed that four soldiers lost their lives during the attack, while efforts were immediately made to secure the area and prevent further casualties.
The remains of the fallen soldiers were later evacuated to Maiduguri, where they were deposited at a military medical facility as investigations into the attack commenced.
The Maiduguri-Damaturu road, particularly around Auno and Jakana axis, has remained a hotspot for insurgent activities despite sustained military operations aimed at flushing out Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
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Over the years, the highway has witnessed repeated ambushes, roadside bombings, and attacks on both military convoys and civilian travellers, prompting authorities at different times to restrict movement along the route.
The Nigerian military has continued counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, targeting terrorist enclaves across Borno State, but insurgent groups have maintained the ability to carry out sporadic attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the ambush, while security operations around the area are said to have been intensified to forestall further attacks.
Residents and commuters have renewed calls on the federal government to strengthen security along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, describing the latest incident as a painful reminder of the lingering insurgency in the North-East.
