TheCable

Troops of operation Lafiya Dole have repelled another attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Dikwa, Borno state.

This is the second time insurgents will launch attacks in the area within one week.

The insurgents had struck last Wednesday, leaving at least 18 people dead, and tens of residents displaced, before the military later took control.

In a statement on Monday, Mohammed Yerima, army’s spokesperson, said the insurgents launched another attack in the area on Sunday.

Yerima noted that with support from the air force, the troops launched a counter attack to clear the area.

“Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole currently carrying out Operation Tura Takaibango stationed at Dikwa and Gulumba Gana, supported by the Air Component, inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram Terrorists who attempted to take control of the strategic town of Dikwa, the headquarters of Dikwa LGA of Borno State,” the statement reads.

“The terrorists in their numbers mounted on 12 gun trucks attacked the town on the eve of Sunday, 18 April, 2021, just as the locals prepared to break their Ramadan fast for the day.

“The troops having contained the initial wave of the attack had to occupy their alternative headquarters at Gulumba Gana to enable the Air Component engage any gun trucks and other technicals in the vicinity of the attack to prevent fratricide.

“The troops launched a counter attack in the early hours of Monday, 19 April, 2021, and successfully reoccupied their main headquarters in Dikwa.

“The retreating terrorists suffered heavy losses in both equipment and personnel, including some of their key leaders from the superior fire power of own troops both from the air and ground forces.”

Yerima said the troops are currently patrolling Dikwa town and environs to assess the level of damage inflicted on the insurgents.

He added that Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, has directed the troops to restrategise in order to prevent any further attack in the area.