By OKODILI NDIDI, Abuja

Two soldiers have been reportedly killed by Improvised Explosive Devices during an ambush by Boko Haram fighters close to Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Three others sustained various degrees of injuries, while vehicles conveying troops were burnt.

Meanwhile three of the terrorists were killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

According to a statement by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, two of the soldiers who survived the ambush recorded the incident and posted same on social media with uncomplimentary remarks.

The statement disclosed that the action of the soldiers was a result of mental distress induced by the fog of war.

“The Troops of Combat Team 1, Operation KANTANA JIMLAN on long range admin patrol along Buni Yadi – Buni Gari axis encountered multiple Improvised Explosive Devices and Boko Haram Terrorists’ ambush, eight kilometers ahead of Buni-Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on the 18 of May 2020.

“Two soldiers paid the supreme price and three other soldiers sustained injuries as a result of the IED explosion. Additionally, a recovery truck, one troops carrying vehicle and a water tanker that ran into the IED were destroyed by fire. Three terrorists were neutralised while unconfirmed number escaped with various degrees of injury”, the statement read.

It added that, “however, due to mental snap/distress occasioned by fog of war, two of the soldiers who escaped the IED and terrorists’ ambush recorded the incident with uncomplimentary remarks, about the Nigerian Army and her leadership, which was released on the social media.

“Although this kind of outburst is expected in war, the soldiers involved have been identified and would undergo observation and counselling.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain unwavering in its quest to end the terrorism and will do everything possible to ensure there is no repeat of this kind of traumatic incident/outburst.

“The Military High Command commends troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE for their unwavering determination, hard work and resilience”.

In another development, the Air task force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed compounds in Njimia on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, where it says Boko Haram terrorists keep items of logistics.

The airstrikes on Tuesday followed intelligence reports, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The missions identified structures within the settlement Boko Haram was using to store fuel and other logistics, Maj-Gen Enenche said in a statement.

He said that the Air Force attack assets scored accurate hits in their bombing runs on the target area, completely destroying the logistics stores as well as causing damage to several other structures which the terrorists have in the settlement.

• Based on reports by The Nation and Daily Trust.