TheCable

Troops of the 81 task force battalion in operation Lafiya Dole have repelled an attack by suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Dikwa, Borno state.

TheCable has reported that there was heavy gunfire in Dikwa on Monday night, as insurgents attempted to take over the area.

Military sources had told TheCable that the insurgents targeted the town because it is a border area, and would be useful for their logistics.

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday, said the insurgents had attempted to attack the town so they could loot food items.

“The troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have decisively routed elements of Boko Haram Terrorists and their Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) counterpart who attempted to infiltrate and attack Dikwa town in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement reads.

“The terrorist groups who stormed the town in an unconfirmed number of gun trucks and motorcycles were visited with heavy bombardment and overwhelming firepower  by troops of 81 Task Force Battalion with reinforcement from other formations of the Nigerian Army and aided by air support of Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

“The terrorists attempted to invade the town to loot food items and other logistics having got wind of the recent food distribution to residents of the town by the state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.

“They came in their droves through the Marte axis but could not gain access to the town due to the combat readiness of troops who were positioned there.

“The terrorists subsequently lost initiative as they were cut off completely following the recent successful recapture of Marte town by the gallant troops.

“In desperation and to scare off residents from returning to their homes, they planted series of landmines on the roads which were also detected and successfully detonated by troops.”

The army spokesman also noted that reports suggesting that some aid workers were trapped during the attack are not correct.