Scores of Nigerian troops perish in jihadist ambush

At least 70 Nigerian soldiers were killed after their convoy was ambushed by jihadist fighters in the restive north-east, military and security sources said yesterday.

Insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades at a lorry carrying troops as it travelled near Gorgi village in Borno state, two military officers said.

“It was a huge loss, at least 70 soldiers have perished in the ambush,” an officer said. A second officer added: “The terrorists specifically targeted a truck loaded with soldiers with RPGS and incinerated the vehicle, killing all on board.”