More than 10 soldiers have been reported missing following an attack on a military base in Kukawa, Borno state.
The incident happened Monday evening when trucks loaded with gunmen believed to be Boko Haram insurgents moved into Kukawa, attacking a market and dislodging the troops.
“It is getting serious, and the whereabouts of more than 10 soldiers is yet unknown,” a soldier at the Lafiya Dole theatre command said on Wednesday.
“A reinforcement team has been deployed to the area for a search and rescue op, and we are hoping to get over this.”
The Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), a faction of the Boko Haram sect, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The insurgents said they have burnt government buildings and taken over Kukawa.
There are reports that many lives were lost and the insurgents have taken charge of military equipment.