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| Dozens of Soldiers In a remote military site in Jaji, four hours north of the city, American Army soldiers train with about 200 Nigerian Army soldiers from the 26th Infantry Battalion. The seven-week course covers responding to IEDs, responding to ambushes, securing a goal, planning operations, etc. The importance of the training cannot be understated. When these Nigerian soldiers are eventually dispatched to fight against the brutal terrorist group Boko Haram, they might utilise these strategies. Beyond ground-based tactical manoeuvres, Nigerian advanced infantry training has important consequences. This bilateral military-to-military training has diplomatic value since it demonstrates Nigeria's and the United States' commitment to fighting violent extremist groups. |
According to the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, gunmen attacked its officers who were out on patrol in the hamlet of Izombe in the local government area of the same name.
This was said by the Brigade's spokesperson, Captain Joseph Akubo, to reporters on Monday in Owerri.
Akubo claimed that the incident occurred after soldiers were sent to the oil-rich neighbourhood to quell local youth unrest and other crimes.
He explained that on Saturday, some unidentified individuals killed a truck driver in an attack, leading to an increase in military patrol.
He said: “The soldiers were on routine patrol in the area when they came under attack by armed youths.
“Two days ago, a truck driver was killed, coupled with other criminal activities, which had necessitated increased patrol.
“The soldiers were on normal patrol when they came under attack.”
Akubo however said he had yet to confirm the casualty figure as the youths were still engaging the soldiers in a fierce battle.
“I cannot tell you the casualty figure because the armed youths are still attacking our men who are taking cover in the buildings in the neighbourhood,” he said.