By Muhammad Sabiu
Reports coming from northeastern Nigeria have indicated that Nigerian soldiers have successfully repelled an attack on their convoy by combatants of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) along Maiduguri-Damaturu road.
The soldiers were said to have acted based on an intelligence report they received after the “terrorists’ communication was intercepted.”
The terrorists also attempted to abduct travellers who were plying the Maiduguri-Damaturu road.
A source in the know of the incident, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to journalists that “the armed terrorists had stormed Tamsukawu community in Kaga local government with the intention to attack a military convoy on a special mission/movement.”
He added: “Unfortunately for them, a signal was received on the movements of terrorists from various directions for the attack.
“The troops’ movement was well fortified with adequate security and air cover from the air task force.
“The movement was very successful even though with some confrontation which we tackled.
“Meanwhile, the troops were also mobilised to deal with another remnant of ISWAP fighters who attempted to attack and abduct travellers at Tamsukawu community.”
Confirming the number of casualties on the side of the insurgents, the source said, “The troops and the terrorists engaged in a heavy gun battle before they were subdued, killing five of them after the arrival of the Air Task Force and Rapid Response Squad Team from a Super Camp at Ngamdu.”
This is not the first time the Nigerian military has engaged terrorists in a gun duel, which has made a number of the insurgents meet their Waterloo.
