The Nigerian Army has revealed that Boko Haram’s continuous attacks on Damasak town in the Mobbar LGA of Borno State was done with the aid of ‘some local informants.’
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Muhammed Yerima, stated that the latest attack on Wednesday was carried out by the terrorists who sneaked in from the northern flank of the town.
The Nigeria Daily reports that the Army spokesperson was however silent on the casualties recorded either by troops or by the insurgents.
According to General Yerima, the troops were now patrolling the area and normalcy was returning gradually.
He said, “The report in a section of the media that Boko Haram terrorists have overrun and are in control of Damasak town is misinformation. There was an attack by the terrorists sometime on Wednesday but it was effectively repelled by troops.
“As we speak, troops are in total control of the general area and as can be seen in the attached video, the Commander of 5 Brigade, Brig Gen S.S. Tilawan, is driving round the town earlier this afternoon to assess the general situation following the cowardly attack by the terrorists who sneaked in from the northern flank yesterday in active collaboration with some local informants.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to assure residents of Damasak and adjoining communities to remain calm as mop operations by the troops are ongoing to flush out the remnant of the terrorists who attacked a section of the town.”
Boko Haram terrorists are on Wednesday attacked Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, Borno State, in what source that spoke with SaharaReporters noted was the 8th incident in a week.
Troops had chased the terrorists out of the town on Tuesday but they returned in the early hours of Wednesday, shooting sporadically and setting houses on fire.
According to a military source, the insurgents are desperate to take control of the town.
“I can confirm that troops are in control of Damasak but there is a fierce gun battle ongoing. You know for some time now, the terrorists have been attacking Damasak town but they can’t succeed because our gallant troops are on the ground,” the source said.
A top civilian JTF source also confirmed that the town has been under attack for about three hours.
“We all need to pray for our troops to prevail over these evil people, Boko Haram returned to Damasak after Saturday attacks, just pray for the troops.”