At least five soldiers including an officer were reportedly killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno forest.

The explosion injured 15 others in the southern axis of the State.

The fallen soldiers including a lieutenant, are troops from 117 Battalion from the 28 Task Force Brigade.

The incident occurred at 10.a.m. on Thursday around Kwada Kwamtah Yahi village in Chibok Local Government Area of the state, Daily Trust reported.

The report disclosed that two Toyota Hilux vehicles meant for utility operation ran over an (IED) planted by the jihadist sect shortly after explosion ensued.

Yohanna Bitrus, a member of vigilante group who also participates in the ongoing troops clearance operations in Kwada Kwamtah Yahi village, disclosed that the (IED) jerked up the military vans conveying troops into the air.

“It was a sad encounter for us in Chibok when our escort commander’s car ran over a landmine and the van was damaged completely.

“I saw the vehicle being tossed up into the air. We managed and summoned courage to evacuate the corpses of the fallen heroes including a lieutenant and four soldiers.

“No fewer than 15 others sustained various degrees of injuries; they are currently receiving medical care at 28 Task Force Bridge Clinic in Chibok,” Mr. Bitrus said.

The fatality yet again swells the losses recorded by the Nigerian military despite several claims of victory in the battle against Boko Haram terrorists.

The insurgents have become more aggressive of recent as they continue to unleash mayhem on civilians and security operatives within the north-east.

For over a decade, Abuja is yet to curb the menace of insurgency that has ravaged the northeast region of the country. The insurgency has escalated dramatically, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians including security operatives.The jihadist group expanded its territories at some point.