TheCable

The Nigerian army says it has located five soldiers who were declared missing in action following a clash with Boko Haram on Wednesday.

According to Sani Usman, acting director of the army public relations, the soldiers sustained injuries but are now in stable condition at the military’s medical facilities.

“Please recall that some of our troops were missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon on 20th July 2016,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

“Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them. The measures include the use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.

“We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found 5 more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit’s Commanding Officer.

“Although they are in a stable condition, they have been moved to our Medical facilities for medical care.”

The soldiers went missing on Wednesday after joining the civilian JTF in clearing operation at Gongon village in Alagarno general area.

“Own troops destroyed BHT camps and captured a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft gun, an RPG tube, a Light Machine Gun, 3 AK-47 rifles and other logistics items of the BHT,” the army had said earlier.

“However, when own troops were returning to their defensive location, they ran into an ambush by BHT who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades. The troops fought back gallantly killing many BHT.

“Sadly, 16 soldiers and 3 CJTF were wounded in action. Some others, including the commanding officer, are missing in action.”

It said a search party was immediately dispatched to find the “three officers and 16 soldiers still missing”.