April 12, 2021

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the attack by Boko Haram fighters on Damasak town in Borno State.

Ground troops, supported by the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), thwarted the attack by the insurgents, army spokesman Mohammed Yerima said in a statement on Sunday.

Damasak came under attack on Saturday by the insurgents who were said to be on a mission to loot foodstuff from humanitarian facilities in the town in Mobbar Local Government Area of the state.

But Yerima said the troops engaged the terrorists with superior fire power both from the air and on the ground which compelled them to withdraw in disarray with several men and equipment casualty. “Sadly, 2 gallant soldiers have paid the supreme price while one officer and 2 soldiers were injured and are currently recuperating at a military hospital in Maiduguri.

“Similarly, troops of Sector 1, OPLD on picketing duty along road Ngwom – Mafa to Maiduguri on Sunday, 11 April, 2021 decisively neutralised 7 members of the Boko Haram Terrorists group supposedly lying in wait to attack the troops and other innocent citizens plying the busy road”.

Yerima said the insurgents were supposedly lying in wait to attack the troops and other innocent citizens plying the busy road.

He explained that the troops, who have continued to dominate their areas with massive clearance patrols and ambushes, sprang the surprise attack on the terrorists that have been threatening the peace and livelihood of the people in the area.

“In the encounter, seven terrorists were neutralised while five AK-47 rifles were recovered along with several other items. The terrorists laid the ambush with the intent to harm NA troops and other innocent commuters”, he said.

“They however ran out of luck as they were instead trapped and neutralised in their own web. After the duel and successful neutralization of the terrorists, the troops continued their their clearance patrol up to Maiduguri”.

Meanwhile, troops of OPLD will continue to maintain aggressive posture to ensure the entire area is cleared of terrorists elements and their activities while maintaining high moral and fighting efficiency.