Nigerian Army Confirms Killing Of Six Soldiers In Taraba, Launch Rescue Operation For Missing Officer

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of six soldiers by suspected bandits in Taraba State during a rescue operation in Tati community of the state.

The troops of 93 Battalion have also embarked on a search and rescue mission for a personnel who went missing during the Tuesday attack on a military convoy at Tati community in Takum local government area of Taraba.

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, the Director, Army public relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, explained that the personnel were responding to a distress call of an attack on Tati community, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba before they were ambushed.

The Army statement confirms earlier reports by Naija News on the killing of soldiers and a missing officer believed to be on the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel.

“The troops had launched out swiftly on receiving a distress call that Tati community was under attack and razed by suspected bandits. While in pursuit of the bandits, troops fell into an ambush staged by the criminals,” the Army spokesman said.

“The troops fought fiercely through the ambush and neutralised four of the bandits.

“Sadly, during the fire fight, six gallant soldiers paid the supreme price, while one personnel is missing in action.”

The troops gave the fleeing bandits a hot chase, killed some of them and recovered weapons and ammunition plus other items, Nwachukwu added.

He urged the people of Taraba State to make information that will help the troops available to the nearest security agency.

“However, a reinforcement team from 6 Brigade deployed against the fleeing bandits at Ananum village in Donga Local Government Area of the state, neutralized 2 additional bandits and recovered one Ak 47 rifle, one pistol, one locally fabricated gun, 2 AK 47 Magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62 mm special, 7 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and 3 motorbikes.

“Troops are currently in pursuit of the bandits and will leave no stone unturned in the ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing personnel.

“We advice the good people of Taraba state are to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies,” the statement added.