Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian army headquarters in Abuja said its soldiers fighting the counterterrorism war in Yobe State have foiled another attempt by the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists to attack Babangida town in Yobe State.
The terrorists who infiltrated the town in seer he of logistics were spotted by eagle eyed soldiers who engaged the terrorists in a heavy shoot out forcing them to run for their lives.
During the shootout, the troops were said to have captured one gun truck, one Dushka Anti Aircraft Gun, two AK 47 rifles and unprimed Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) from the fleeing terrorists.
Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said “Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have foiled an attempted attack on Babangida town in Yobe State on Wednesday 25 August 2021 by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, prowling for logistics replenishment. The criminals made futile effort to infiltrate the town, but were met with a fierce counter attack from the vigilant troops, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
“In the counter attack, the gallant troops captured one gun truck, one Dushka Anti Aircraft Gun, two AK 47 rifles and unprimed Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) from the fleeing terrorists. Further exploitation by the troops is still ongoing.
“The dogged troops have been commended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for their vigilance and swiftness in countering the attack. He also encouraged them to remain focused and avoid any form of distraction from the terrorists, who are desperate to make face saving moves, having suffered enormous depletion in their ranks.
“Law-abiding people of Yobe State and North East in general, are assured of the Chief of Army Staff’s determination to finally rout the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists from their hideouts. They are also encouraged to continue to avail troops with actionable information that would enhance speedy execution of ongoing Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency operations in the region”.