Troops of the Nigerian Army on Saturday, January 5, repelled hundreds of Boko Haram members who wanted to attack Damasak, a town in northern part of Borno state, Daily Trust reports.
According to credible sources, the assailants belonging to the Mus’ab Albarnawi camp of the Boko Haram, drove to Damasak in convoy of vehicles mounted with Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). However, they were ambushed by Nigerian troops who got prior information of the planned attack, one of the sources said, adding that many of the attackers were killed.
A local speaking under condition of anonymity said, said the attackers went to Damasak around 5.45pm. “The fight continued through the night and the invaders could not get access to the town,” he said. He added the casualty figure from both sides would be known tomorrow [today]. A security source who is not in the position to speak on record confirmed the attack.
Meanwhile in Yobe state, many Boko Haram fighters who wanted to attack Goniri village in Gujba local government area, on Saturday, January 5, were also killed by Nigerian soldiers. Confirming the development, a security source said the Boko Haram fighters went to Goniri around 4pm.
“There was serious fight but I can assure you that our men had an upper hand today (yesterday),” he said. Two sources from Goniri who are now in Damaturu confirmed attempt by the Boko Haram to take over Goniri and the military facility there.
In a previous report by Legit.ng, the chief of army staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai declared that the army is ready to drastically reduce kidnappings and other violent crimes in parts of the country. Buratai made the resolve on Thursday, January 3, when 32 artillery brigade in Owo, Ondo state flagged-off Operation Egwu Eke 111, otherwise known as Python Dance.
The army chief who was represented General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Major-General Okwudili Azinta, said the military would do everything possible to flush-out kidnappers in Ondo state.