A tragic ambush by Boko Haram terrorists has left an unspecified number of Nigerian military personnel and civilians missing in Baga, located on the shores of Lake Chad.

The troops, accompanied by civilian volunteers, had ventured deep into the area in search of the fallen victims when they were attacked. An intense gun battle followed, with several soldiers reportedly killed.

The exact number of casualties remains unknown as the bodies are still being retrieved and some soldiers are returning to base. “We went too far in search of the dead bodies, and the terrorists ambushed us. There was an exchange of fire, and several soldiers were killed,” a military source shared.

In a tragic turn, the civilian joint task force, hunters, and other locals who had mobilized to recover the bodies of those killed by Boko Haram also fell victim to the ambush. A local source revealed that about 50 civilians went out for the recovery mission, but only one person has returned so far. The fate of the others remains uncertain.

This attack follows a deadly raid by suspected members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday, where numerous farmers were killed.

In another incident in Gwoza, at least six people, including five repentant insurgents and members of the civilian joint task force, were killed in an attack.

As the situation continues to unfold, the number of casualties from both the military and civilian sides remains unclear. This latest incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in northern Nigeria.

Stay updated on the latest developments.