Army: Boko Haram attack averted in Yobe, many insurgents killed

The Nigerian army says its troops successfully repelled an attack on a military patrol team coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents at Sasawa community in Yobe.

Texas Chukwu, army spokesman, said this in a statement issued on Sunday in Maiduguri, Borno.

According to Chukwu, the troops on Saturday repelled an ambush by the insurgents and killed many of them in gun battles at Sasawa in Babbangida Local Government Area of Yobe.

He said the insurgents were planning to attack the Babbangida market to steal food items and lay ambush for the troops on patrol.

Chukwu said: “Troops of 233 battalion deployed in operation Lafiya Dole have neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists today, 21 July, along Sasawa Road in Babbangida local government area of Yobe state while countering an ambush staged by element terrorists.

“The troops encountered the ambush during a fighting patrol to clear the general area of the fleeing elements of Boko Haram terrorists who have been on rampage for food and logistics.

“The gallant troops overpowered and neutralised the insurgents in the fierce fight that ensued and successfully extricated themselves from the ambush.”

Chukwu said the insurgents’ original plan was to attack and loot Babbangida market, but they aborted the mission and laid an ambush for the troops on patrol.

He said the troops recorded some casualties but that the situation was under control.

The army spokesman added that additional men had been deployed to reinforce the patrol troops, while the air task force was on aerial surveillance to track the fleeing terrorists.

Chukwu called on the people of the affected communities not to panic over the development.