By Uche Onyeali
Troops of 25 Brigade successfully foiled an attack by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, along Damboa axis in Borno State.
This was disclosed in a post on X yesterday by a security analyst at the Lake Chad area, Zagazola Makama.
According to the post, the incident occurred around 9:35pm on April 5 when suspected terrorists were sighted through a surveillance system moving towards Damboa town from the Timbuktu Triangle area.
The security expert said troops quickly mobilised in armoured vehicles and moved to intercept the attackers and set up an ambush along the route used by the terrorists.
The insurgents were later detected in a forested area, but were forced to retreat towards Timbuktu Triangle after coming under pressure from the troops.
The report added that aerial surveillance helped track the fleeing attackers across the area.
Further operations carried out on April 6 led to the recovery of some items believed to have been abandoned by the suspects during their escape.
Security sources said the development suggests that the attackers may have suffered disruption and possible casualties during the encounter.
Troops have since continued patrols and surveillance in the area to maintain control and prevent any fresh attack.
In a similar development, several bandits were killed on Monday, following a firefight between troops and fleeing terrorists during an encounter with the convoy of the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 8 Division and commander, Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Makama said the incident occurred at about 4:30pm on April 6, as the GOC was returning from an operational visit to assess the security situation and troops deployed at Kulchin Kalgo and Forward Operating Base, FOB, Danjibga.
On reaching Maitashi village, the convoy reportedly encountered fleeing terrorists, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
During the engagement, troops neutralised several assailants and recovered weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.
However, one soldier who sustained gunshot wounds during the clash was evacuated to Keta Healthcare Centre, where he was later confirmed dead.
Troops subsequently cleared the area before the convoy continued to Gusau, while operations in the axis remain ongoing.
