Militants fatally ambush high-ranking officer and six troops in assault on northeastern Nigerian army outpost

A Nigerian Army colonel and six soldiers lost their lives in a Boko Haram ambush in Borno State, while a Mobile Police Officer and 13 others were reportedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Benue State's Otukpo and Apa Local Government Areas.

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According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN, the army troops came under attack by Tango terrorists on Charlie 13 location in Monguno on April 12, 2026, resulting in intense fire exchanges that forced the terrorists to flee.

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Despite the troops maintaining control of the location, the Commanding Officer, who courageously proceeded to the scene to assess the situation, was killed alongside six other personnel when his vehicle was severely damaged by an Improvised Explosive Device, IED.

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Lt. Col. Uba praised the Commanding Officer's actions, saying they reflected the highest traditions of military leadership, courage, selfless service, and leading from the front, and that his willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle stood as a profound testament to his valour and sense of duty.

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Operation HADIN KAI mourned the loss of the exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation, with their sacrifice to be forever remembered by the Armed Forces and the nation.

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In a separate incident, a Mobile Police Officer was killed on Saturday while attempting to repel an attack by armed herders on Upu community in Otukpo LGA, with several others injured and many still missing, according to a local source.

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The source revealed that the Mobile Police Officer was killed in the process of repelling the attack by the armed herdsmen, who invaded Upu community.

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An eyewitness disclosed that the attackers had earlier struck on Friday, invading Ikobi and Adija communities, where three persons were killed and several others sustained serious injuries, and that they returned on Sunday afternoon to attack Edikwu-Ankpali, killing 10 persons, including women.

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The eyewitness expressed fear that more bodies may still be found in the bushes, given the scale of the attack and the number of persons unaccounted for, and that the government had failed to prioritise the safety of the people, with the attacks leaving the communities in tears and wailing.

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The council Chairman, Adams Ochega, confirmed the attacks in Apa LGA, describing the situation as unfortunate and appealing for calm, while assuring residents that security had been reinforced in the affected communities.