More than 60 insurgents were killed in the early hours of Sunday, March 19, in an attack on a military base in Mafa town where officials were collating the results of the gubernatorial elections which were held on Saturday.

Now residents are terrified because they fear the insurgents might retaliate and attack the town again.

The insurgents stormed the town in gun trucks and on motorbikes at about 2am on Sunday.

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai, supported by air force jets, swiftly launched a counterattack, killing at least 60. Fighting on the ground was fierce and as the insurgents fled they were bombarded from above by the jets.

The military confirmed the attack. Apart from 60 corpses, the soldiers recovered a Hilux vehicle, weapons and ammunition.

A Civilian Joint Task Force CJTF (CJTF) member, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, told RNI the forces were grateful that most of the residents were asleep at the time of the attack, so no innocent lives were lost during the fierce combat.

“The insurgents entered the town from two directions – through the town’s main gate as well as from the nearby forest on the outskirts of Mafa town. They arrived on motorbikes and in gun trucks and headed towards the military base, which was being used to collate votes from the elections for the governorship and members of the Borno State house of assembly.

“The fighting on the ground was fierce but soldiers foiled the attack and the insurgents began hastily retreating. As they fled they were hit by fire from the air force jets above. At least 60 insurgents were killed and many were severely wounded. A Hilux vehicle was recovered, as were weapons and ammunition.

“The troops and thee CJTF suffered no casualties or injuries. And all the residents were safe.

“During the attack, the Independent National Electoral Commission officials were especially frightened because they had not faced conflict like this.”

He said residents of Mafa, who had come from Maiduguri to vote in their hometown, were also scared because they had not experienced such attacks since they had fled to the city years ago because of the insurgency.

“Now many of the residents are fearful because they expect the insurgents to retaliate. A top commander spoke to the residents later on Sunday, telling civilians that the troops had been victorious and assuring them they were safe.

“He told them that they should go about their business as usual. He said it was unlikely the insurgents would return because they had suffered heavy casualties. In the unlikely event they did return, he said, the CJTF and troops were ready for them and residents would be kept safe.”

Mohammed Alhaji Bura, a resident of Mafa town, told RNI that people in the town were fearful of a reprisal attack.

“The military has pledged to protect us. But many residents are still frightened. Some have fled the town to neighboring communities. Some have even gone to Maiduguri to ensure their safety.”

Bulama Usman, also a resident, said it was mostly local farmers and firewood collectors who were most afraid.

“They have to go to the forest to tend to their lands and pick up firewood. They are terrified the insurgents will abduct or kill them in retaliation for the military counterattack. The army and other security operatives should tighten security in the nearby forest so that the locals can continue their daily activities in safety.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO