The Nigerian Army Commander of 17 Brigade, Operation Hadarin Daji, Major Ag Mohammed, and another soldier have been killed by Boko Haram during clashes in Katsina State.
Mohammed, who served as the commander of Operation Hadarin Daji covering Yantumaki, Dan Ali and Kankara axis, was killed alongside another member of the troop during an ambush by the terrorists.
They were said to have been ambushed at Malali village in the Kankara Local Government Area of the state.
A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in a post on his official social media handle on Friday, said that two soldiers were killed yesterday.
It was gathered that he had been called to provide a reinforcement to repel an attack on the village by terrorists who had reportedly completely taken over the area.
“The news of the demise of Major Ag Mohammed of 17 brigade Katsina state, Operation Hadarin DAJI is indeed heart-wrenching.
“Mohammed paid the supreme price while combating bandits in the North West of Katsina state. Until his death, he served as the command covering Yantumaki, Dan Ali and Kankara Axis. He was one of the most gallant, courageous and highly dedicated officers.
“Nigeria has lost many gallant officers and soldiers to the bullets of Boko Haram (BH) insurgents and banditry and other insecurities.
“We therefore acknowledge with respect the services of our heroes – some of those we admire for their courage, and outstanding achievements coupled with noble qualities that have laid down their lives for us to live,” Makama added.
Another resident, Dan Maleeki, disclosed that a soldier attached to the troop was also killed by the terrorists during the clashes that lasted for several minutes.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the 17 Brigade in Katsina, Oiza Ehinlaidlye, has yet to make an official statement on the soldiers’ death.
