Nigerian troops: a setback in Gudumbali

Nigeria’s military has confirmed that troops operating in Borno state towns of Gudumbali and Kareto suffered what it called ‘minor setback’ in a face to face war with Boko Haram militants on Wednesday.

Earlier independent reports have said the setback was not a ‘minor’ one as being painted, as many soldiers were captured by the militants, and armoured tank, vehicles, ammunitions were also lost.

But The Nigerian Army in a short statement on Twitter said the minor setback, that it failed to elaborate upon, is normal in military operations.

“Troops operating in the northern Borno State towns of Gudumbali and Kareto had slight setback within the week.
However, situation being stabilised. The troops have rejoined their units for further action. The earlier media reports were exaggerate The CO is right now with his soldiers. It’s just a minor setback and such are common in military operations.
May God help us all,” said the tweet by Colonel Sani Usman.

A contrary report was had said Boko Haram insurgents overran a military base in Gudumbali, after troops of the 157 Battalion dislodged an insurgents’ camp at Gudunbali, Guzamala Local Government, reports from the area said.

The Daily Trust said that the troops, in attempting to repel the attackers called for reinforcement from the 118 Battalion. But the reinforcement came late, with many soldiers declared missing.

PREMIUM TIMES, quoting unnamed military sources, said the terrorists captured a T-72 tank as well as several artillery weapons from the unit.

“Gudunbali was attacked this morning and some weapons were captured from the battalion. Two officers and 105 soldiers are still missing.

“They captured a T-72 tank from the unit and some artillery weapons were also captured. The commanding Officer (CO) of the battalion is yet to be seen but no one has been confirmed dead yet,” the medium quoted the source as saying.

Another source however said the T-72 tank was recovered after a prolonged fight with Boko Haram insurgents. The gunner and tank commander were injured in the process, he said.  

Also reportedly captured by the insurgents were eight vehicles, a truck loaded with rounds of AA ammunition and three artillery pieces.