TheCable

The Nigerian army lost 14 of its soldiers in multiple Boko Haram attacks at Baga, Borno state, last Sunday and on Wednesday, the defence headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed.

DHQ revealed on its website on Saturday that 30 soldiers were also wounded in the attacks, while other soldiers who were missing in action had since rejoined their unit.

It admitted that although it had not recaptured the town, it was studying the situation to know the appropriate action to take.

“The situation in Baga is still being studied to determine the appropriate action that will restore law, order and normalcy to the community after the attack mounted by hundreds of heavily armed terrorists last weekend.

“A total of 14 soldiers were killed in action during the attack, while over 30 who were wounded are now receiving medical attention. Most of those declared missing in action have also rejoined their unit in the ongoing reorganisation for further operations.

“Although several of the terrorists died in the course of the attack and efforts at repelling the assailants, the actual figure of civilian casualties is yet to be creditably determined as is being propagated in certain quarters.”

The Nigerian military also emphasised that it had not given up on Baga and vowed not to concede any part of the country to terrorists.

“The Nigerian military has not given up on Baga and other localities where terrorists activities are now prevalent. Appropriate plans, men and resources are presently being mobilised to address the situation.

“The Nigerian component of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which retreated from its Baga headquarters last weekend, and more of the troops are regrouping for necessary debrief and briefing for subsequent missions.

“It is necessary to reassure Nigerians that the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies are capable of flushing out the terrorists from Baga and all parts of the nation’s territory where their activities are prevalent. No portion of Nigeria’s territory has been or will be conceded to terrorists.

“The use of all available resources within the armed forces will continue to be maximised to sustain the tempo of the counter-terrorism campaign towards containing and eradicating terrorism in the nation’s territory.

“The support and understanding of all partners and neighboring countries will however continue to be utilised where available and relevant in the conduct of the mission and in line with existing agreement and understanding.”