Nine Soldiers Killed In Bid To Rescue 10 NNPC Staff Held By Boko Haram

By Baron Ike
Nine soldiers and on civilian lost their lives in an attempt by the army to rescue the 10 staff of the NNPC kidnapped on Tuesday, July 25 by the Bokko Haram insurgents in Borno.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the escort and team of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) personnel returning from oil exploration at Barno Yasu, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno on Tuesday to unleash the attack.
However, the Army had successfully rescued all the 10 NNPC staff kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram terrorists .
Director Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Wednesday, July 26 that the bodies of an officer, eight soldiers and a civilian, who died in the incident had been recovered.
Usman said the bodies had been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
Said Usman: “On receipt of the information, the Brigade mobilized and sent reinforcement, search and rescue party that include the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night.
“So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the Officer, 8 soldiers and a civilian have who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
“The team recovered 4 vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and one blue Hilux belonging to CJTF.
“The team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans containing Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant, assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others.
“The team also neutralized many of the terrorists.”