Two soldiers were reportedly killed as troops of the Nigerian Army repelled terrorists attack on a Forward Operational Base (FOB) at Bula Yobe in Borno State.

The incursion into FOB by the jihadist fighters was foiled by troops of 152 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with the Air Component of “Operation Hadin Kai” on Sunday, army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement.

Mr Nwachukwu further revealed that 12 terrorists were killed during the encounter. He disclosed that the attack by the insurgents was carried out by members of Boko Haram faction alongside Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

However, the statement noted that the terrorists attacked the military base via an unsuspected crossing point on gun trucks and motorcycles.

“The land troops, in their usual  dexterity swiftly and decisively engaged the terrorists, subsequently forcing them to retreat, having lost initiative.

“The troops sustained the fire fight and successfully neutralised 12  terrorists, with several others fleeing with gun shot wounds,” army said.

“Sadly, during the encounter two soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice, while five others sustained varying degrees  of injury and have been evacuated by the air component of OPHK to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement further disclosed.

Weapons recovered from the terrorists are; one Gun Truck, one Self Propelled Gun-9, one Dushika  Gun and one  mounted QJC Machine Gun. Others are one Light Machine Gun and five AK 47 Rifles.

Peoples Gazette had earlier reported how members of Abubakar Shekau led Boko Haram faction pledged loyalty their loyalty to ISWAP.

The revelation came weeks after reports of Mr Shekau’s demise, which The Gazette has not independently verified.

“We will unite together to fight the (unbelievers),” one Boko Haram fighter said in Hausa in the video published by Reuters. “What will happen now will by far exceed what transpired in the past now that we’re united.”

ISWAP terror group is a faction of Boko Haram group that emerged in 2016. The group who specialises in attacking military bases and formations pledged its allegiance to Islamic State terrorists.