The Nigerian Army said yesterday that gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade Operation Hadin Kai on Saturday foiled an attempt by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, elements to attack facility housing scores of surrendered terrorists, killing several of the ISWAP members.
The Army said the superior firepower of troops forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray and ensured that Damboa did not fall to the antics of ISWAP.
Spokesperson of the Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, the terrorists attempted to access the camp in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State but were resisted by superior gun power.
The attack is coming on the heels of reported massive surrendering by members of the terrorist group.
Thousands of terrorists alongside their family members have recently repented and handed over themselves to authorities.
President Muhammudu Buhari had, on Friday, during a nationwide address commemorating Nigeria’s 61st anniversary, stated that about 8,000 terrorists had surrendered.
“This antic of terror within terror is being employed by ISWAP to discourage intending surrendering terrorists in their ranks. The latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group as top-ranking commanders and members denounce violent agitation to embrace peace in recent times.
“This palpable apprehension might have led ISWAP on Saturday, October 2, 2021, to embark on a mission to annihilate or capture BHTs, who surrendered in Damboa.
“The gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade Operation Hadin Kai whose superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, ensured Damboa did not fall to their antics.
“The terrorists made futile attempts to access the facility housing the surrendered BHT members but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of our troops.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the good people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses as vigilant troops would proactively continue to provide security of lives and property.
“The general public is also enjoined to provide actionable and timely information on the activities of these criminal elements and their collaborators.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending troops for their doggedness, charged them to take the fight to the terrorists’ enclaves to deny them freedom of action.
“He also reassured them of requisite support as they record more operational gains in Operation Hadin Kai.”
Ada Peter
