Six Nigerian soldiers lost their lives on Wednesday, in an auto crash while responding to a distress call regarding a Boko Haram attack.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the soldiers were part of Operation Hadin Kai, the major military operation against Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
The fatal accident occurred in Bama, a town that has seen significant Boko Haram activity over the years.
The soldiers were travelling in a gun truck, commonly referred to as a “buffalo.”
According to military sources, the vehicle was being driven by Corporal Tairu.
The soldiers had been urgently dispatched to reinforce a unit under attack by Boko Haram militants.
However, while en route, they received orders to change their direction to face another threat.
In the process of turning back, the gun truck skidded off the road and collided with a road shoulder. This caused the vehicle to somersault multiple times.
Seven personnel were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Unfortunately, six of them did not survive the accident. Four soldiers died instantly at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries later at the hospital.
A military source detailed the incident, saying, “The vehicle which we called buffalo was driven by CPL Tairu. There was a Boko Haram attack, so they called them for reinforcement.
On their way, they were called to turn back as they were facing another route. As he was about turning back, the vehicle skidded off. It happened here in Bama.”
The loss of these soldiers is a significant blow to Operation Hadin Kai, which has been actively combating Boko Haram insurgents in the region.
The Nigerian military continues to face challenges in its efforts to restore peace and security in the northeastern part of the country, where Boko Haram has been active for over a decade.
This incident underscores the dangers faced by military personnel in conflict zones, not only from combat but also from the risks associated with rapid deployment and challenging terrain.
The Nigerian Army is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and to prevent future occurrences.
The names of the deceased soldiers have not been released to the public, pending notification of their families.
The Nigerian military and the government have extended their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, recognizing their sacrifice in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.
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