By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in Taraba State have recovered weapons and the corpse of a slain soldier during ongoing search-and-rescue (SAR) operations following an ambush on their patrol team in Takum Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the operation followed an earlier attack on troops at Tyojande village, Takum LGA, which resulted in casualties, the Army said in an operational update on Tuesday.

According to the sources, troops acting on intelligence provided by locals in Kufai Amadu on Dec. 17 advanced to the general area of Tyojande where the ambush occurred.

During the operation, troops made contact with armed elements near Ange village, about two kilometres from the location where the corpse of a killed soldier was later found.

The sources said the troops’ superior firepower forced the assailants to abandon their positions and flee into thick vegetation, using cattle as cover before escaping towards nearby mountainous terrain. A hot pursuit ensued, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one additional item, and three empty magazines concealed at different locations within the area.

The troops subsequently advanced on foot through Tyojande and Yumga villages, and later projected force to Ande and Nbaume communities, all within Kufai Amadu axis of Takum LGA, where no further contact was made.

The source confirmed the recovery of the corpse of Late Lance Corporal in the Tyojande general area. Search-and-rescue operations, the Army added, are ongoing to locate one soldier still missing.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations to account for all personnel and to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area. (Zagazola)