The Nigerian Army has said only 18 lives were lost in the attack on the convoy of Borno State governor, Zulum.
There were reports that no fewer than 30 lives were lost in the incident.
But the Nigerian Army, in a statement by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche, said four soldiers, 10 policemen and four civilians were killed in the attack.
The army also blamed the casualties on improvised explosive devices.
The statement said, ”The convoy of the Borno State Civilians Relocation Committee comprising Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force and Civilian Joint Task Force was ambushed by members of the BHT/ISWAP at Barwati village on 25 of September 2020.
“The attack/ambush was however successfully repelled by the gallant troops. Sadly, a total of 18 lives including 4 soldiers, 10 Policemen and 4 civilians were lost during the sad incident.
“Troops on hot pursuit of the insurgents successfully recovered 3 vehicles.
“Two of the vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police that were earlier carted away by the terrorists during the attack. Similarly, one BHT gun truck was also captured.
“The casualties recorded were as a result of the explosion from the multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted on the road by the terrorists.
“The Nigerian Army has since deployed bomb and IED disposal teams to ensure effective route scanning and clearance to forestall future occurrence.”
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