Troops returning from Bama, Borno State, on humanitarian escort duty were ambushed enroute the state capital Maiduguri by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in Meleri village, a few kilometres from Kawuri.

Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed this on Thursday night. He said ina statement: “The gallant troops however, successfully cleared the ambush and exploited up to Afunori.

“Unfortunately, 2 soldiers and 3 civilians were wounded in the ambush, among whom were staff of United Nations agencies and other international humanitarian organisations. The wounded have been evacuated to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri and they are in stable condition.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to sympathise with our wounded colleagues, the United Nations and other non-governmental organisations whose personnel were also injured in this sad incident. We wish to reiterate our determination and commitment to ensuring safety and security in the North East and safeguarding the lives of all persons.”

•Photo shows Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.