The death of a soldier in the battle against Boko Haram at Garkida has been confirmed by the Nigerian army. The incident took place during a counter offensive by troops of 232 Battalion of 23 Armoured Brigade under Operation Lafiya Dole in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa.
A statement released by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 23 Brigade Maj. Haruna Sani, reported that the Nigerian army successfully defended the town from the terrorists, who besieged it with about seven Gun Trucks and a number of motorcycles.
The military reported that they killed several of the Boko Haram terrorists, and the remaining fled with gunshot wounds, leaving trails of blood along their withdrawal route.
The statement, in part, reads:
“Gallant troops of 232 Battalion of 23 Armoured Brigade under Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed in Garkida, Gombi LGA of Adamawa State, had thwarted a planned criminal attack on the peaceful town on 21 February 2020 by some criminal Boko Haram Terrorists.
“The terrorists besieged the town in about 7 Gun Trucks and a number of motorcycles, setting some buildings ablaze and causing unrest within the community.
“Instinctively, the gallant troops mobilized and intercepted the criminals’ advance and engaged the marauding criminals unleashing high volume of fire, leading to the elimination of several of the criminals while others withdrew in disarray, many of them with gunshot wounds as evident in the trails of blood along their withdrawal route.
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while another soldier was wounded in action. The wounded in action soldier has since been evacuated to a military medical facility and is positively responding to treatment.”
Reports also stated that the Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, visited the troops in Garkida and inspected the locations of the attack on Saturday, February 22. He praised the troops for their determination, vigilance, and exceptional fighting spirit that led to the victory against the enemy.