Boko Haram: Six killed as Troops repel attack in Borno

Boko Haram: Six killed as Troops repel attack in Borno

By: James Bwala

Nigerian troops on Thursday evening repelled an ambush on Damboa Super Camp of the Nigerian Army in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

Residents and NGO workers in Damboa said many have fled to the bush during the attack while others hide in their homes.

“This is the 5th time this year that I am experiencing such an attack in Damboa. I pray that soon I will be relocated. I have worked in Damboa now in my 4th year. I think I have paid my due.” an NGO worker told NEWSng while chatting following the attack on Thursday.

Another resident said the attack was horrible. ” This is my second time experiencing this in Damboa. But what can we do as man has to look for food. Well, If I get another job why not. I am not immortal. It is lack of job that is making people choose whatever comes their way to keep body and soul.” he said

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Damboa is about 87 km from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. However, the road to Damboa from Maiduguri is not safe and travellers had to go through Gombe, a distance which takes the whole day to travel.

A military officer revealed that the terrorist’s ambush which troops ‘gallantry’ foiled was laid by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“The ISWAP insurgents rode in nine gun trucks, three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and three MRAPs, to attack the Super Camp in Damboa town.

“However, the ground troops, with the support of the military Air Task Force (ATF) engaged them, and eliminated scores of the terrorists,” the officer said.

The troops have since mounted a clearance operation in the town after aborting the terrorist attack recovered three gun trucks belonging to the ISWAP criminals.

Also a member of the CJTC, Bakura Abba told NEWSng that they have pursued fleeing insurgents upto Talala village and killed six of the insurgents during exchange of gunfire.

“Many of them fled with gunshot wounds. We could not however proceed because of the nature of the area which requires more troops and fire power.” he said.

Ajigil and Talala area around Damboa local government area of Borno state is known to house many insurgents operating along the Maiduguri. Damboa road on the 87km stretch.

Despite many attempts by the Nigerian military to ensure the liberation of the road on that axis, it has continued to remain abortive due to the activities of the insurgents.

Boko Haram: Six killed as Troops repel attack in Borno