In a fresh wave of insurgent violence, Boko Haram militants Wednesday launched a deadly attack on Izge community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing an Army Captain and one soldier.
The assault began around 1 a.m., sparking a fierce gun battle between the insurgents and Nigerian security forces. The Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed the incident, describing the attack as a “devastating but ultimately repelled onslaught.”
“It’s true that my people in Izge community came under Boko Haram attack around 1am. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the supreme price,” the Emir said.
In a swift counterattack, joint forces comprising the Nigerian Army, Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and local vigilantes engaged the terrorists. According to Timta, three insurgents were killed, and security forces recovered abandoned weapons and over 10 motorcycles, which were left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
“Our gallant troops, the Civilian JTF, hunters, vigilantes and the resilient community members killed three terrorists. The terrorists abandoned their weapons and are still on the run, while being trailed by our security men,” he added.
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The Emir praised the troops for their bravery and sacrifice. “May Allah grant the departed souls Jannatul Firdaus. Our men are still in the bush, sacrificing their lives to maintain peace.”
He also thanked Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for providing critical logistical support to frontline security operatives and called on the federal government to equip forces with modern technological warfare tools to effectively tackle the insurgency.
The North East region has witnessed renewed violence in recent days. Just days earlier, Boko Haram attacked the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, killing at least four soldiers and destroying military assets.
That attack came barely 24 hours after the North East Governors’ Forum met in Damaturu to adopt a new multidimensional strategy to combat insurgency.
This latest incident in Izge comes amid growing public pressure on security agencies to respond more effectively to threats, especially after President Bola Tinubu’s directive to service chiefs two weeks ago to end the killings across Nigeria.
Crediblenewsng.com
