TheCable

Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect ambushed a police convoy along Kubwa highway in Damboa local government area of Borno state, on Tuesday, killing a police officer.

A source confirmed the attack to TheCable, saying it happened around 2:15pm.

Four officers, who were said to have sustained injuries in the incident, are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital.

The attack comes three days after insurgents ambushed troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, escorting commercial vehicles from Maiduguri to Damboa.

Two soldiers and eight civilians lost their lives in the tragic incident, while vehicles were reportedly hijacked and driven into Sambisa forest.

Boko Haram renewed its attacks on security operatives after camp Zairo, its stronghold in Sambisa forest, was taken over by troops.

Many had said capturing of the camp signified the end of insurgency.

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, had said Zairo is to Boko Haram what Aso Rock means to Nigeria, emphasisng its importance in defeating members of the sect.

“Camp Zairo might occupy probably one kilometre out of 60,000 kilometres expanse of Sambisa, but it is so crucial to us in this war,” he had said.

“It is like imagining that there is a war and the Villa is captured. That is the essence of camp zairo.

“It is not the extent of physical expanse but that we struck at the very heart of insurgency and it does not mean the end of the campaign in Sambisa forest.”