Maiduguri Attack: Boko Haram suffers ‘massive casualty’

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The Nigerian military on Sunday confirmed PREMIUM TIMES’ earlier report that it foiled a major Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killing several terrorists.

The spokesperson of the Defense Headquarters, Chris Olukolade, said the insurgents flee in disarray towards different directions – Bama, Ngom, Alou, Delwa and Mafa – but have been effectively contained while a mop up operation is ongoing.

“The terrorists incurred massive casualty,” Mr. Olukolade, a Major General, said. The situation is calm as mopping up operation in the affected area is ongoing.”

He said several weapons and ammunition including two armoured vehicles, two artillery guns and 17 Hilux vehicles were captured from the insurgents in the attack.

Affected areas have also been recovered by the military as patrol and pursuit of fleeing insurgents continued in coordination with allied forces of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF.

“The terrorists are meant to be engaged in all fronts including their previous safe havens and hideouts in the region,” he said, adding that wounded soldiers are being treated.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the attack which lasted several hours on Sunday morning with residents remaining indoors. The insurgents were confronted by soldiers and members of the local vigilante, called Civilian-JTF. A security source and vigilante members had said hundreds of the insurgents were killed in the attack.

Sunday’s attack is the second by the insurgents in one week as they continue their plot to take the Borno capital. The military had last Sunday foiled a similar attack by the group, who also attacked Konduga and Monguno.

The Boko Haram still control some territories in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, while some have been recaptured by Nigerian soldiers working with soldiers of neighbouring countries who are members of the MNJTF.