TheCable

Two police officers and a solider have been killed by suspected fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The security operatives were killed when troops came under heavy attack while conducting clearance operation in Malam-Fatori, Abadam LGA of Borno, on Wednesday.

A source told TheCable that the police team was headed by Mohammed Ibrahim, a chief superintendent of police.

The clearance exercise was said to be organised by Babagana Zulum, governor of the state, who mobilised about 500 security operatives, in an effort to facilitate the return of over 50,000 residents who had fled Abadam.

TheCable understands that the insurgents attacked the town with several trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns.

“The gallant role exhibited by the crack team helped in pushing back the terrorists. Unfortunately, we lost two of our MOPOL and one soldier during the gun battle with the terrorists which lasted for about one hour,” a source said.

Malam-Fatori, headquarter town of Abadam LGA, is described as a stronghold of ISWAP.

FIVE TRAVELLERS ABDUCTED ON DAMATURU-MAIDUGURI HIGHWAY

In another development, suspected ISWAP members also abducted five travellers on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.

The highway is said to be a target for insurgents.

The incident, sources told TheCable, happened at about 3pm on Tuesday.

The travellers were said to have been stopped around Tamsukau in Kaga LGA, Borno state, which is about seven kilometres away from Ngamdu where the Nigerian Army has one of its super camps.

Sources said the insurgents, who were in military camouflage, set up a checkpoint which the commuters mistook to be one set up by soldiers.

The insurgents were said to have taken away three commercial vehicles, but later released the vehicles and some passengers, but held back five travellers.

The attack was suspected to be carried out by Abou Aseyia, who was recently appointed as ISWAP commander in charge of Sambisa forest.

Sources said Aseyia, who is reportedly in possession of gun trucks, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP) and armoured personnel carrier (APC), had had many failed attacks in Ngamdu, Katarko in Yobe where several ISWAP fighters were killed by troops of operation Hadin Kai.

Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, was not immediately available to comment on the development.