Many soldiers are still unaccounted for after an early Monday morning attack by Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists who raided the military formation in Marte Local Government area of Borno State, sources said.
BusinessDay had earlier reported how ISWAP terrorists attacked and looted the armoury, while at least four soldiers lost their lives and thousands of villagers fled their homes.
A security source who is familiar with the situation told BusinessDay that many soldiers were either abducted or wounded in the attack by the invaders.
“This morning, about 20 soldiers are still missing: they are yet to return after yesterday’s (Monday) sad incident, but we are hopeful they are alive,” a security source said.
Another source urged the military to mobilise resources to confront the deadly groups.
“We are experiencing the second comeback of the insurgency; they are still in control of the base, and armed forces should, as a matter of urgency, restore normalcy in the affected communities.”
Troop repels ISWAP terrorists’ attacks on another base
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have repelled a deadly attack on Dikwa, a Local Government Area of Borno State on Tuesday.
A Civilian Joint Task Force member who spoke to our paper anonymously because he was not authorised to speak said the terrorists sent two drones for surveillance before launching the attack on a military outpost.
He said the attack occurred around 1:00 am on Tuesday and lasted for one hour, with heavy resistance from the Nigerian Army and CJTF
”They may have followed our troops who retreated from the unfortunate event that happened in Marte, but this time our military responded beautifully and secured our territory,” the source said.
He added that the Nigerian Air Force also supported the ground troops and chased the terrorists.
Governor Babagana Zulum has strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the state, including Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, and other affected communities.
Governor Zulum expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families of all victims affected by the tragic incidents, which included an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.
The explosion, which occurred on 12 May, claimed the lives of two staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority who were en route to Maiduguri to sit for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) examination.
Several members of the armed forces and innocent civilians have also lost their lives in the recent wave of violence, according to BusinessDay.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Dauda Iliya, the governor reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, military, and other security agencies to contain the security challenges.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” Governor Zulum stated.
He added: “I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.”
Governor Zulum recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and ensure the protection of lives and property.
“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” the Governor assured.
Governor Zulum concluded by extending his thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen heroes, innocent civilians, and all citizens of Borno State during this difficult period.