Army Division foils Boko Haram attempt to invade Damaturu

Soldiers of the Sector 2, Operation Lafiya Dole under the Nigerian Army says it has foiled an attempt by marauding Boko Haram terrorists to attack Damaturu, Yobe state capital, yesterday.

The Sector’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Chinonso Oteh, who confirmed the incident said the insurgents came through Babangida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa local government along Gashua-Damaturu road, but were overpowered by the superior fire of ground troops and Air Force support.

He explained that the swift arrival of the Air force fighter jet foiled the plans of the terror group as they could not withstand the superior ground firepower of troops.

Oteh called on residents of Damaturu to be calm as according to him, “there is no cause for alarm”.

“Everything is under control and the general area is free from threat. People are advised to go about their usual business and report any suspicious movement to security agencies,” he said.

It was gathered that the insurgents had earlier made a stopover at Babangida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa local government where they fired gunshots sporadically, hence sent fears into the hearts of residents before proceeding to Damaturu.

The convoy of the insurgents were believed to have moved from around Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar local government area in Borno state and transited through Mafa, which shares a border with Babbangida on the eastern axis.

Sources said the people of Babbangida on sighting the terrorists ran into the bushes for safety.

Babbangida, with a distance of about 40 kilometres away from the state capital Damaturu, came under many attacks by the insurgents last year.