The Nigerian Army has lost 11 soldiers following two successful attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday afternoon, Peoples Gazette can report.

Troops of 154 Task Force Battalion came under fire from the insurgents while conducting routine operation along Damboa Road in the northeast, leaving eight soldiers dead and six wounded, military sources said.

Two soldiers and an officer were declared missing as the terrorists carted away three gun trucks, one lorry, five motorcycles, eight AK 47 rifles, one RPG and other military hardware.

In another operation, troops of 156 taskforce battalion were ambushed by the dreaded sect, resulting in the death of two soldiers and one officer.

The Gazette also learnt that a soldier and an officer were injured in the Friday afternoon attack.

Two gun trucks, three AK 47 rifles, four motorcycles, one pistol and magazines were hauled away by the notorious sect that has been engaging the Nigerian military since 2009.

Rescue efforts have commenced for the missing officers and stolen military equipment, authorities said.

The recovered bodies of the slain personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility in Damaturu, the Gazette understands.

Meanwhile, troops of 402 special forces brigade are leading efforts to clear alternative routes to forestall further ambush by the terrorists.

Military sources said some improvised explosive devices which were detected along Ganinja-Doksa Road (between Yobe and Borno) were successfully detonated.

“Situation is calm but remains unpredictable”, officials said. “Troops morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory.”

Nigerian forces have been trailing Boko Haram elements across the northeast after the insurgents were successfully dislodged from their stronghold in Sambisa Forest in 2016. 

Military experts said the remaining remnants have switched to asymmetric tactics and still have capabilities to wreak havoc on military and civilian targets.

A military spokesman did not return a request for comment Saturday afternoon.