According to the report, the terrorists launched the attack at about 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday but were swiftly engaged by troops. A reinforcement team later joined the operation and engaged the insurgents in a clearance operation.

Military sources told Zagazola that several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while one soldier paid the supreme price and another sustained injuries. The wounded personnel has since been evacuated for medical attention, while the fallen soldier’s remains were deposited at the 7 Division Military Morgue in Maiduguri.

Items recovered from the insurgents include an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Baofeng radios, and belted ammunition for a machine gun.

The sources added that the terrorists, who withdrew in disarray, were believed to have suffered heavy casualties, though the exact figure could not be immediately confirmed.

They further explained that the general security situation in the area remains calm but unpredictable.