The Nigerian Army says that two soldiers were killed and three others wounded during operations against Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Northeast region of the country.
Also, 14 terrorists were killed.
Nigeria Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, said the soldiers “paid the supreme price” when they “thwarted the terrorists’ incursion into Damasak the Headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. However, the one officer and two soldiers who were injured are currently recuperating at a military hospital in Maiduguri.
The terrorists who invaded Damasak destroyed the hub of the United Nations (UN) housing all staff of the international organisation. Located 188 kilometres from Maiduguri in Northern Borno State, the town has survived several attacks in the last 11 years.
Of the 14 terrorists killed, General Yerima said seven died in the Damasak operation while another seven also died “on Sunday, April 11, 2021 as elements of Headquarters 22 Brigade and troops of 112 Task Force Batallion decisively neutralised scores of Boko Haram terrorists who were laying in wait along Ngwom – Mafa – Maiduguri road to ambush soldiers.”
He added that a total of nine AK-47 rifles were “captured along with several other items including suspected psychotropic substances.”
Yerima stated that “the terrorists laid the ambush targeting own troops along the road but were however trapped, overpowered and obliterated in their own web. Meanwhile, troops made sure that the entire area were cleared of all suspected terrorists elements. Following the encounter and successful clearance of the terrorists, troops continued their onward movement to Maiduguri.
“The gallant troops who have continued to dominate the axis through massive clearance, patrols and ambushes sprang the surprise attack on the terrorists who have been brutalising the people in the area and denying them of their peace and livelihood.”
The Army Spokesperson said the Damasak operation was a joint operation by ground troops supported by Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) and that “the gallant troops engaged the terrorists with superior fire power both from the air and on the ground which compelled them to withdraw in disarray with several men and equipment casualty.
“Similarly, troops of Sector 1, OPLD on picketing duty along road Ngwom – Mafa to Maiduguri on Sunday, 11 April, 2021 decisively neutralised 7 members of the Boko Haram Terrorists group supposedly lying in wait to attack the troops and other innocent citizens plying the busy road.
“The troops who have continued to dominate their areas with massive clearance patrols and ambushes sprang the surprise attack on the terrorists that have been menacing the peace and livelihood of the people in the area.
“In the encounter, seven terrorists were neutralised while four AK-47 rifles were recovered along with several other items. The terrorists laid the ambush with the intent to harm NA troops and other innocent commuters. They however ran out of luck as they were instead trapped and neutralised in their own web. After the duel and successful neutralization of the terrorists, the troops continued their their clearance patrol up to Maiduguri.
“Meanwhile, troops of OPLD will continue to maintain aggressive posture to ensure the entire area is cleared of terrorists elements and their activities while maintaining high moral and fighting efficiency.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru has congratulated the gallant troops and urged them to maintain their high and satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.”
In addition, sources said that three women and a man lost their lives during the attack though other sources gave higher figures.
The United Nations has condemned the attack saying thousands of people would face serious humanitarian challenges.
Sources said that the terrorists had stormed Damasak, engaging the troops from multiple locations, which led to the burning down of the UN hub and others infrastructures.
While some of the terrorists were engaging the troops at their camps, others were busy burning NGOs warehouses near the UN hub.
A local source said the residence of the traditional ruler of Damasak, and the Norwegian Refugees Commission (NRC) facilities at Fulatari Ward, were also torched.
“The warehouse of the World Food Programme (WFP), which was filled with assorted food items, was completely looted.
“They also carted away medicine and other equipment at a nearby government hospital. They stole the belongings of the poor people who are already in need of support.
“Many vehicles belonging to all the humanitarian agencies in the town were either stolen or burnt,” the source said.
Speaking on the development, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, condemned the destruction of their humanitarian hub and other NGOs.
In a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri, Kallon lamented Saturday’s attacks saying, “I am deeply concerned about recurrent reports of violent attacks by non-state armed groups putting the lives of civilians under risks.
“Last night and through the morning, a violent attack in Damasak town, in Borno State, was reported with three international aid partners’ facilities directly targeted, set ablaze, and sustained damage. I continue to be concerned about the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian workers.
“I strongly condemn the attack, as humanitarian aid operations and facilities are the lifeline for people affected by violence and conflict in northeast Nigeria who are dependent on assistance to survive.
“Humanitarian operations in Damasak will be reduced due to the violent attack, which will affect the support to 8,800 internally displaced people and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection there.
“Civilians and aid workers, their facilities and assets should never be a target. They must always be protected and respected. I call on armed parties to observe and commit to international humanitarian law and human rights law, and ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian property, and personnel,” he said.