By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA): The Nigerian army has said at least 13 members of state security forces — including soldiers and policemen — were killed in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in the restive northeast.

The troops ran into the ambush along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road during an escort mission, army spokesman Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement late Tuesday.

“The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a fire fight, courageously wading through the ambush,” said the statement.

Several Boko Haram militants also died in the ensuing fight, it added.

Later Wednesday, the Turkish Embassy in the capital Abuja issued a statement denouncing the assault, saying: “We are saddened by the terrorist attack against security forces in Yobe State in north-eastern Nigeria, claiming many lives and leaving several people injured.

“We condemn this heinous attack and offer our condolences to the people and Government of Nigeria.”

[Map of Nigeria by CIA/Public Domain]