The Army has said that the rescue of ten Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) staff, kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno on Tuesday, came with a heavy price, as nine soldiers and a civilian died in a shootout with the abductors.
This was made known on Wednesday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman.
He said in a statement that their bodies of those killed have been recovered. They include an officer, eight soldiers and the civilian.
According to Usman the bodies have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
Usman said: “On receipt of the information, the Brigade mobilized and sent reinforcement, search and rescue party that include the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night.
“So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the Officer, 8 soldiers and a civilian have who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
“The team recovered 4 vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and one blue Hilux belonging to CJTF.
“The team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans containing Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant, assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others.
“The team also neutralized many of the terrorists.”
The Army spokesman assured that the troops are not relenting in the pursuit, search and rescue effort of the remaining militants.
Suspected Boko Haram fighters had ambushed the escort and team of NNPC staff returning from oil exploration at Barno Yasu, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno on Tuesday. The terrorists took ten staff hostage.
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