The Nigerian Army is yet to officially speak on the alleged killing of at least 20 soldiers in Malari, Borno State, by Boko Haram/Islamic States West Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
The soldiers were reportedly on patrol to clear some Boko Haram elements in the area following credible intelligence when they were ambushed.
A senior military officer had told SaharaReporters that the gunmen subsequently engaged the troops with an overwhelming firepower, killing about 20 soldiers.
The clash which resulted in the destruction of three operational vehicles is yet to be acknowledge officially by the Nigerian Army.
“They have contacted their families as usual, they will be buried in a cemetery here in Maiduguri during the week,” a source said.
In another news, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has accused Nigerian security agents are threatening the life of his followers.
Speaking through his media aide, Emma Power, Kanu said some of the members have been allegedly marked for elimination while others were being hunted by the security personnel.
He stated IPOB members who fled the country were being prevented from visiting their homes to attend the burial of their beloved ones.
The statement read in part, “We the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, under the command of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to put the whole world on notice that the lives of our members are in grave danger in Nigeria. Our members have been marked for elimination, and are being hunted by the Nigerian security agents.
“Some of our members who are lucky enough to escape to other countries escape untimely death while others who are not are being trailed for arrest and torture. Even those who fled the country are passing through trauma and emotional stress as they are being prevented to visit home to attend the burial of their beloved ones.
“Till today, operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS and other security agencies in Nigeria are still trailing IPOB Media Supervisor in Rivers State, Madam Obiageli Vivian Mboma (a. k. a Oby Mboma), who fled Nigeria since 2016.”