UN calls off aid work in northeast Nigeria

International humanitarian aid has been suspended in northeast Nigeria after militants ambushed the convoy of aid personnel working with UNICEF, UNFPA and IOM.

The United Nations says the aid mission to Bama, in Borno State is temporarily suspended until a review of the security situation is complete.

The convoy was said to be travelling from Bama to Maiduguri in Borno State, returning from delivering desperately needed humanitarian assistance in the area.

A statement from the military confirming the incident says troops on humanitarian escort duty, were ambushed en route Maiduguri by suspected remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in Meleri village.

According to the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, the insurgents were successfully cleared but two soldiers and three civilians were injured.

He added that the wounded had been evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri and were in stable condition.