Damaturu

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.

Suspected insurgents of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have on Tuesday abducted at least five travellers along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road in northeastern Nigeria.

Reports have indicated that the insurgents mounted a fake military checkpoint and hoodwinked travellers which resulted in making them fall prey to their trap.

The abduction was said to have occurred in TamsuKawu village of Kaga local government area (LGA).

A source who spoke to an online newspaper on condition of anonymity said, “Three of the vehicles were forced to drive into the bush at gunpoint before the Boko Haram gunmen later selected five passengers whom they took away while the others and the three vehicles were later released.”

Another source in the know of the incident said, “The attack was suspected to be carried out by Abou Aseyia who was recently appointed as the Ameerul Fiya (Chief of Militant forces), in charge of Sambisa forest.”

The northeastern part of Nigeria is still being hit by terrorists’ attacks despite security agents’ efforts to curb the over-twelve-year-old insurgency.