Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion, Monguno, Col. I.A. Mohammed, and 10 soldiers were, on Sunday, killed by an Improvised Explosive Device planted by insurgents in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to local residents, Col. Mohammed, was killed while on a reinforcement mission following an overnight attack on a military formation.
The IED went off when the Commanding Officer responded to a distress call from troops under attack at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) linked to the 242 Battalion.
Sources said the Colonel’s vehicle ran into the IED while rushing to assist the FOB, after suspected insurgents launched a coordinated assault on Sunday night.
This is coming just three days after a Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force, Brig. Gen. Oseini Braimah and no fewer than 17 soldiers were killed by the suspected terrorists, during the attack on the command in Benisheikh, Kaga LGA of Borno State.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the attack, saying the incident occurred in the late hours of April 12, when Troops of Sector 3, of the OPHK came under an isolated Tango terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno.
He said following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location.
But “regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel.
“His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership; courage, selfless service, and leading from the front.”
Uba added that the willingness of the commanding officer to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, “stands as a profound testament to his valour, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his men.”
He said the OPHK deeply mourns the loss of this exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
“Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the grateful nation they served,” he added.
