In the last couple of days, at least 13 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in what appears to be a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks on North East troops, military sources said.
A large number of military equipment was also carted away by the attackers.
The attacks, which began on Sunday, were not reported earlier because details were not given by the military.
Nigerian military spokesperson Sagir Musa did not comment when he was faced with issues about the assaults by reporters on Friday.
But one military source, who spoke to reporters in strict anonymity because he feared his commanders penalize him said: “the last few days have not been good for the troops.”
“Our troops on patrol near Gajigana came under ambush and many lost their lives in the process,” he said.
The source said that Gudumbali-based Special Forces soldiers came under a lethal ambush from armed insurgents who arrived in several trucks.
The source said on Sunday around 5 pm the event occurred along Gurunda – Zari Road.
The source said about 100 troops who managed to pull them out and withdraw made it after a few days to their Damasak, a border community close Niger Republic.
“As I am talking to you now, seven soldiers have been confirmed killed in action. But there could be more deaths as the terrorists were said to have slaughtered those captured and even dragged them using ropes tied to their gun trucks,” he said.
The source said slain soldiers ‘ bodies were taken to Maiduguri’s 7 Division headquarters on Wednesday.
While 7 Division troops mourned their gallant peers on Wednesday, there was another attack in Kukawa.
Although no death was recorded, the insurgents were told by a source “only went in search of logistics which they packed and moved away.”
Another attack was said to have occurred in Gubio on Thursday night. There was a similar attack three weeks earlier.
At the same time Gajiram and Gajiganna were being attacked, the Gubio attack took place.
The source said six soldiers and a member of the Civilian JTF were killed in the Gubio attack while three gun trucks and CJTF Hilux patrol ban were carted away.”
“The civilian that was killed was the CJTF Commander in Gubio Bulama Bukar, alias Maradona who has been the target of the Boko Haram for long.
“He was buried yesterday(Friday) after Jumaat prayers in Gubio,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, was on Friday in Maiduguri where he had long hours of meeting with troops commanders at the Theater Command headquarters of the Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri.
The army chief did not speak with journalists.
When asked about Gajigana attack, army spokesperson, Mr. Musa, a colonel, said: “You can ask the Theater Commander please.”
The Theater Commander, Olusegun Adeniyi, did not respond to calls.