THE Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion, Monguno, Col. I.A. Mohammed, and no fewer than 10 soldiers lost their lives when Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspectedly planted by Boko Haram went off in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sani Uba, media information officer of the north-east Joint Task Force, said in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday that insurgents launched the attack on Sunday night on troops at the Charlie 13 location.
The soldiers repelled the assault after a fierce gun battle, forcing the assailants to beat a hasty retreat.
Uba said the commanding officer, while “courageously” proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) which severely damaged his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six soldiers.
“His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership; courage, selfless service, and leading from the front,” the statement reads.
“His willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, stands as a profound testament to his valour, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his men.
“Operation HADIN KAI deeply mourns the loss of this exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
“Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the grateful nation they served.”
The incident comes barely days after terrorists attacked a military base in Benisheikh, Borno state, killing two soldiers and two officers, including Oseni Braimah, a brigadier-general of the 29 Brigade.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said in a statement on Friday that Braimah was killed alongside another officer and two soldiers while “making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
