The military high command has said no fewer than three senior officers and 22 soldiers were killed during the ambush on troops in Niger state.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said seven soldiers were wounded during the ambush.
He added that onboard the crashed Air Force aircraft on evacuation mission were 14 previously killed soldiers, seven wounded soldiers, two pilots, and two crew members.
Recall that Metronews NG had earlier reported that a Source said an army major and two lieutenants with one identified as Y. Alkali were among the victims.
“Nigerian army this morning lost about 23 soldiers, they were ambushed by bandits. One major, two lieutenants were among the victims. In fact, they set some of them ablaze inside the Hilux vehicle,” the soldier said.