One killed as army repels attacks on Borno towns

The Nigerian army says it repelled attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on communities in Gubio and Magumeri in Borno state.

The insurgents had invaded Gubio around 5pm on Wednesday, setting ablaze the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other buildings.

Ado Isa, a deputy director of army public relations at the 7 division, in a statement on Thursday said the insurgents came to loot, and that a vigilante was killed in the crossfire.

“To avoid further misinformation that could create unnecessary tension, the Theatre Command wishes to state that the attack was targeted at Nigerian Army troops deployed in the areas to enable the terrorists gain access shops in the market in the towns to loot food items and other logistics,” the statement read.

“The attack was however repelled by the troops. Consequently, due to fierce exchange of fire, the terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray from the town resulting to damages on buildings and property along their route of withdrawal.

“There were no casualty on the security force (troops) and no lost or damage to own equipment as wrongly insinuated on social media. However, a vigilante sadly lost his life in a cross fire. Also some civilians in the area reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries.”

The army said normalcy has returned to the areas with residents going about their business.