ABUJA – The Nigerian Army says the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have decisively routed elements of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, who attempted to attack Dikwa Town in Borno.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Yerima said the terrorists had on Monday stormed the town in an unconfirmed number of gun trucks and motorcycles.
He said that the terrorists were visited with heavy bombardment and overwhelming firepower by troops of 81 Task Force Battalion and complemented by the Air Task Force.
He said that 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 Gov. Babagana Zulum.
“They came in droves through the Marte axis but could not gain access to the town due to the combat readiness of troops 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,” he said.
Yerima, however, debunked the reports by some social media suggesting that the terrorists attacked UN Base, trapping 25 aid workers, as published by some outlets.
He described the reports as false and sensational, saying they were clearly aimed at stirring tension in the region and diminishing the glaring efforts and sacrifices of the military in the fight against insurgency.
According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, has commended the efforts of the gallant troops and the prompt response of the Air Task Force in providing air interdictions throughout the operation.
