Fifteen villagers have been killed by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The victims were reportedly attacked on Thursday while they were in the bush to gather firewood.
Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident to TheCable on Friday, saying the state Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Abdulmajid, had ordered an investigation.
“From the preliminary report we got from the divisional police officer it indicated that 15 individuals were unfortunately killed by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists,” Daso said.
The attack occurred as troops under Operation Hadin Kai were carrying out counter-insurgency operations in Adamawa State, where 16 insurgents were reportedly killed during a two-day operation.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the military operations took place between September 30 and October 1 across the Sector 4 area.
The operations reportedly involved ground ambushes, a precision air strike and defensive actions against attacks by insurgents.
Makama also reported that troops repelled coordinated attacks on the 226 Battalion in Garkida and the 232 Battalion in Garaha.
READ ALSO:
- Mr Eazi, Temi Otedola Spark Baby Arrival Speculation With New Instagram Post
- Peller, Jarvis Unveil Baby’s Gender in Colourful Celebration
- NDLEA Uncovers Meth in Cereal Packs, Arrests Suspect Returning From South Africa
- Oga Bello Recounts How Threats Forced Him to Sleep in Church for Seven Months
- FG Issues Travel Advisory Following 16 Nigerian Deaths in Ethiopia
The troops were said to have responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their operations and retreat.
Three soldiers were reportedly killed during the engagements, while wounded personnel were evacuated and taken for medical treatment.
The latest attack in Marte comes amid continued security challenges in parts of Borno and other states in the North-East, where military and security agencies have continued operations against insurgent groups.