The Nigerian Army Tuesday said its troops were overpowered by suspected Boko Haram elements, who had launched an attack on the former’s location in Northern Borno.

Thirteen soldiers sustained varying degrees of injuries from the incident, while “some” were still missing in action.

The disclosure was made in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman.

The statement reads: “Yesterday (Monday) at about 5.30pm suspected escaping remnants of Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops location at Gashigar, border area with Niger Republic, northern Borno State.

“The troops did their best to defend the location in vain. In the process, 13 soldiers sustained injuries while some are still missing in action.

 “The temporary setback made the troops to withdraw from the location.“However, the wounded soldiers have been evacuated and receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing in search of those missing and clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area.”

There were reports that suspected insurgents had killed about 20 soldiers, in a surprise attack.