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Colonel, Six Soldiers Killed by Boko Haram in Borno; 14 Others Die in Benue Attacks
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Colonel, Six Soldiers Killed by Boko Haram in Borno; 14 Others Die in Benue Attacks

From Vanguard · (2d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Nigerian Army colonel and six soldiers were killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
  • The attack occurred when the colonel's vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while assessing the situation after an initial terrorist engagement.
  • Separately, a Mobile Police Officer and 13 others were killed in Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen in multiple community attacks.

The Nigerian Army has suffered a significant loss in Borno State, with a colonel and six soldiers falling victim to Boko Haram insurgents. The tragic incident occurred on April 12, 2026, when troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) repelled a terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno. In the aftermath of intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were driven back, but the commanding officer, while bravely proceeding to the troops' location to assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location.

— Lt. Col. Sani UbaDescribing the initial engagement with terrorists before the IED incident.

The IED blast severely damaged the officer's vehicle, resulting in his death and the loss of six other personnel. The statement from Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN, lauded the colonel's courage and leadership, emphasizing his selfless service and commitment to his men. His actions, even after the immediate threat was neutralized, exemplified the highest traditions of military leadership.

Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel.

— Lt. Col. Sani UbaExplaining the circumstances of the colonel's death.

This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the North East. The sacrifice of these brave personnel is deeply mourned by the Armed Forces and the nation, serving as a testament to their unwavering commitment to national security. The operation continues to fight against terrorism, with the memory of these fallen heroes serving as a solemn reminder of the ongoing struggle.

His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership, courage, selfless service and leading from the front.

— Lt. Col. Sani UbaPraising the colonel's bravery and leadership.

In a separate but equally devastating development, Benue State has been rocked by fresh attacks attributed to suspected armed herdsmen. Reports indicate that a Mobile Police Officer and 13 other individuals were killed in coordinated assaults on communities in Otukpo and Apa Local Government Areas. The violence, which occurred over several days, saw attacks on Upu, Ikobi, Adija, and Edikwu-Ankpali communities, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and disappearances. Local sources describe the attackers' intent as a massacre, highlighting the escalating insecurity in the region.

Mobile Police Officer and 13 others were reportedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Otukpo and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State.

— VanguardReporting on the attacks in Benue State.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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