The Nigerian Army on Thursday said its troops returning from an humanitarian escort duty was attacked by suspected Boko Haram members in Meleri Village, close to Maiduguri.

This is according to a statement released by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Usman Sani.

The statement confirmed that 2 soldiers and 3 civilians were wounded in the ambush which was successful cleared by the troops.

However, among those wounded were staff of United Nations agencies and other international humanitarian organizations.

Read the statement in full;

“Troops  returning from Bama on humanitarian escort duty, were ambushed enroute Maiduguri by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in Meleri village, a few kilometres from Kawuri.

“The gallant troops however, successfully cleared the ambush and exploited up to Afunori.

“Unfortunately, 2 soldiers and 3 civilians were wounded in the ambush, among whom were staff of United Nations agencies and other international humanitarian organizations. The wounded have been evacuated to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri and they are in stable condition.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with our wounded colleagues, the United Nations and other Non-governmental organizations whose personnel were also injured in this sad incident. We wish to reiterate our determination and  commitment to ensuring safety and security in the North East and safeguarding the lives of all persons.”

Azeez