Nigerian Army foil attempt by Iswap to attack facility where surrendered Boko Haram fighters are based

GOVERNMENT troops have successfully foiled an attempted attack by the Islamic State of West African Province (Iswap) terrorists on a facility housing surrendered Boko Haram members in Damboa in Borno State.

Over recent months, Boko Haram and Iswap fighters have been surrendering in droves to Nigerian military, handing ion their weapons to camps established in Borno State. irked by  how they are losing the momentum, Iswap has tried to disrupt the plan bit troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled their attack  on a facility housing surrendered Boko Haram members in Damboa.

According to Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army spokesman, Iswap terrorists had resorted to attacks on surrendered Boko Haram members and their families in a desperate move to curtail the unprecedented depletion of its fighting force. He added, however, that the latest attack was thwarted by the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, who forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray and ensure that Damboa did not fall.

Brigadier Nwachukwu said: “This antic of terror within terror is being employed by Iswap, to discourage intending surrendering terrorists in their ranks. The latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group, as top ranking commanders and members denounce violent agitation to embrace peace in recent times.

He added that the terrorists made futile attempts to access the facility housing the surrendered Boko Haram members but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of Nigerian Army troops. Nigerian Army authorities have reassured the people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses as vigilant troops would proactively continue to provide security of lives and property.

Chief of army staff, Lt General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the troops for their doggedness and charged them to take the fight to the terrorists’ enclaves to deny them freedom of action. He also reassured them of requisite support as they record more operational gains under Operation Hadin Kai.