Earlier reports had indicated that seven soldiers were killed in the attack on Monday, while the commanding officer and 12 others were believed to have been captured alive by the insurgents. However, top security sources have now confirmed that the commanding officer, seven soldiers, and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were later killed by the terrorists. According to the sources, the bodies were recovered on Wednesday following a fierce ground battle between troops and Boko Haram fighters, with the operation receiving critical air support. The source explained that the insurgents had been hiding in surrounding bushes and attempted to ambush troops during the recovery operation. Some of the bodies were recovered during the engagement, while others were found as troops advanced through the area.