An unspecified number of soldiers and civilians are missing following an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Baga, a community in Nigeria situated on the fringes of Lake Chad.
Reports from various sources indicate that the soldiers were attacked while attempting to recover the bodies of 40 farmers who had been killed by terrorists in the area. Several soldiers lost their lives in the ensuing gun battle.
Although military authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, local residents reported that about 50 men, including civilians, joint task force members, and local vigilantes, set out on Tuesday to retrieve the remains of those killed. However, only one person has returned.
“I cannot discuss military casualties at this time, but among the missing civilians are members of the civilian joint task force, hunters, and vigilantes,” a local source informed Channels Television.
A military source, also quoted by Channels Television, confirmed that some troops had been sent to recover the bodies but were ambushed by the terrorists.
“There was an exchange of gunfire, and some of our soldiers were killed. We are still trying to determine the total number of casualties, as the dead bodies have yet to be retrieved and some soldiers remain unaccounted for,” the source stated.