Military Repels Attempt By Boko Haram To Gain More Territory

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the north-east have repelled an attack by suspected members of Boko Haram on a military formation in Buni-Yadi, the headquarters of Gujba Local Government Area of the troubled Yobe State, in a renewed attempt to take more territories.

Buni-Yadi is 56 Kilometres south of Damaturu, the state capital and was the base of the insurgents after capturing both Buni-Yadi and Gulani towns which were subsequently reclaimed by security forces in March, 2015.

Since the reclaiming of the two towns, security forces have established a strong base in the town to resist attempts by insurgents to recapture the territory.

A top military officer, who requested not to be mentioned, confirmed the attack to Channels Television.

The officer said the Boko Haram terrorists engaged security forces on ground late evening on Thursday in Buni-Yadi in an effort to regain the territory that will ease their advancement into Damaturu.

The source said though, security forces repelled the attack, casualty figure was unknown at the time of filling the report

Channels Television’s correspondent in Damaturu reported that serious military hardware was in the early hours of Friday being moved towards Buni-Yadi axis which confirmed the clash between the insurgents and security forces.

It was also reported that a fighter jet came to Damaturu, hovering round the town for some minutes before moving southwards towards the troubled Buni-Yadi.

Thursday’s “clash” between security forces and the Boko Haram militants brought serious fear in the minds of Damaturu residents, considering the town’s proximity to Buni-Yadi.

Residents of Buni-Yadi are yet to return to the reclaimed town, as security forces were on surveillance of the town to ensure its safety before the return of the displaced inhabitants.

The communication facilities in the area has long been vandalised by the insurgents, making it impossible to communicate with residents of the troubled town.