A commander of one of the battalion of the Nigerian Army fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North Eastern part of the Nigeria may have been killed, thecable.ng has reported.
According to the news platform, the commander, a lieutenant-colonel, was feared killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists who attacked a military base in Mainok, Borno state, on Sunday.
Thirteen soldiers were also reported to have been killed in the attack.
It was learnt that the troops were overpowered by the terrorists who came with “heavy weapons”.
“They had four MRAPs [armoured military vehicles], four gun trucks and other heavy machines,” one of the sources said.
“As I speak, the commanding officer has been hit, and some other soldiers.
“There was air support, but sadly, the air force missed its coordinates and couldn’t eliminate the insurgents.”
Another source also said “the troops have been dislodged from the camp as the insurgents are taking over.”
The insurgents, who were said to have stormed the base at about 2pm on Sunday, disguised in a military convoy and gained access into the premises before shooting sporadically and killing the soldiers.
The insurgents also razed down a police station and looted weapons at the military base.
A military source said the insurgents operated for about two hours before fleeing the scene of the attack.
When contacted, Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, said he will provide an update on the attack later.
