Boko Haram: 5 wounded as insurgents ambush troops, UN officials in Borno

A contingent of United Nations officials on humanitarian mission escorted by Nigerian troops ran into an ambush mounted by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday.

The UN team and other donor agencies were returning to Maiduguri from Bama where they had gone to deliver drugs and foodstuff to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.

Army spokesman, Col Sani Usman confirmed the attack in a statement he issued to newsmen.

“ Troops returning from Bama on humanitarian escort duty, were ambushed enroute Maiduguri by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in Meleri village, a few kilometres from Kawuri.

“The gallant troops however, successfully cleared the ambush and exploited up to Afunori. Unfortunately, two soldiers and three civilians were wounded in the ambush, among whom were staff of United Nations agencies and other international humanitarian organizations.

“The wounded have been evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, and they are in stable condition.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with our wounded colleagues, the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations whose personnel were also injured in this sad incident.

“We wish to reiterate our determination and commitment to ensuring safety and security in the North East and safeguarding the lives of all persons.”