TheCable

‎Two Nigerian soldiers have been killed by landmine in an operation to clear an area in Borno state of Boko Haram insurgents, Usman Sani, a colonel and army spokesman, has confirmed.

He said while the operation was successful, two‎ other soldiers were “critically” wounded.

‎”Troops of the seventh Brigade have today entered and cleared Gudumbali town, Kukawa local government area of Borno state,” he said.

‎”During the operation, quite a number of the terrorists were killed their weapons and equipment were destroyed. The troops are currently doing clearance operations in the general area.

“It should be recalled that the Nigeria air force inflicted heavy damage on the terrorists camps within the general area last Monday.

“Unfortunately, two soldiers lost their lives, while two others were critically injured. The bodies of the two gallant soldiers have been‎ evacuated, to the rear, while the other two wounded soldiers have also been evacuated and are receiving treatment at the military hospital.

“The unit also lost a Mowag armoured personnel carrier due to the buried landmine between old Marte and Kerenoa junction of Borno state.‎”

Usman stated that despite the sad event, the troops‎ were not deterred as they continued their advance and pursued the insurgents to their enclave in Sambisa forest.

“Similarly, it is important to note that troops in the various formations and units in operation Lafiya Dole ‎are in high spirit‎s, and more determined to ‎destroy the‎ terrorists’ camps and enclaves,” he added.