The Nigerian Army claims it successfully “neutralised several insurgents” who tried to ambush troops on the Damboa-Maiduguri road in Borno State on Monday, January 23.
It is not known whether the insurgents were members of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), better known as Boko Haram, or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Sadik Kachallah, a driver who witnessed the attack, told RNI that they were being escorted by troops on the Damboa-Maiduguri road, heading towards Maiduguri, when they heard loud gunshots.
“When we heard the sounds of the guns, it was so loud and I was in shock and terrified. I was about to turn the car around to go back but the soldiers who were escorting us told us not to turn back.
Within minutes the army arrived with a helicopter and chased the Boko Haram into the bush. The soldiers took vehicles and weapons that were left by the insurgents. No one was killed or injured.”
He said since then no one had been allowed to drive on the road and they were waiting for security approval before they could use it again. They were expecting to hear by Friday.
However, a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, January 24, said: “In sustained operations to clear the northeast of terrorism, gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Hadin Kai, with close air support, on Monday 23 January 2023, have again neutralised several ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists following the terrorists’ failed ambush on troops on the Damboa-Maiduguri road in Borno State. Troops also recovered MRAP [mine-resistant ambush-protected light tactical vehicles], motorcycles, weapons, medical supplies, among others.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until terrorism and other criminalities are brought to an end in the northeastern region.
“The troops also greatly appreciate the locals and well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers and support that have contributed to the successes being recorded in the war against the terrorists in the northeast.”
ZAINAB ALHADJI ALI
