Troops foil attack on Maiduguri, eliminate terrorists; Borno Acting Governor commends citizens’ resilience

By Sumaila Ogbaje, Abuja /Yakubu Uba, Maiduguri
May 12, 2021

The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated nine Boko Haram terrorists during an attempt to attack the outskirt of Maiduguri, the Borno capital, on Tuesday.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Yerima said the terrorists tried to advance from the Aldawari axis to attack soft targets in Jiddari Polo, but were repelled by combined troops of the Army, Police, vigilantes and hunters.

“Following a hot pursuit by troops, heavy casualty was inflicted on the terrorists as nine of them were neutralised while many escaped with gunshot wounds.

“One Buffalo Gun Truck, three motorcycles, three browning machine guns, a rocket propelled gun and four AK-47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists.

“Other items recovered include one Improvised Explosive Device, sixteen 12V batteries among other items,” he said.

Yerima said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, commended the gallantry of the troops and urged them to keep up the tempo of the operation.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and assured them of their security during the festive period and beyond.

 Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Borno, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, on Wednesday commended residents of Maiduguri for their resilience following the failed attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to infiltrate the town.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that troops foiled the terrorists’ incursion into Maiduguri on Tuesday, and normalcy has returned to the city with residents preparing to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr.

The acting governor in a message, expressed satisfaction with the sustained resilience shown by the citizens in spite of the security challenges and economic crunch.

He also commended security personnel for their doggedness and efforts to bring lasting peace to the state, adding that prayers for their success would be sustained beyond the Holy month of Ramadan.

Kadafur assured the people of adequate security arrangements for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, and called for more vigilance and the need to alert relevant authorities to any suspicious movement.

“I equally reassure all and sundry that this government is ever committed to the security and welfare of all citizens, hence people should not panic during the Sallah festivity.

“The security operatives are on high alert and in control of every situation to further protect the lives and properties of the people.’’

NAN reports that Kadafur has been acting, following the transmission of power to him by Gov. Babagana Zulum, who embarked on a 21-day annual leave.