Nigerian Security Forces Killed in Boko Haram Ambush

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Nigerian army said at least 13 security operatives -- including soldiers and policemen -- were killed in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in the restive northeast region.

Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement late Tuesday that the troops ran into the ambush along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road during an escort mission.

“The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a fire fight, courageously wading through the ambush,” said the statement., Anadolu Agency.  

Several Boko Haram fighters also died in the ensuing fight, it added.

Despite the Nigerian government’s insistence that Boko Haram are near defeat, the group has recently carried out major attacks on military and civilian targets, killing scores.

More than 27 000 people have died since the start of the insurgency in the remote areas north of the country in 2009 and 1.8 million are still homeless.