SAN FRANCISCO, July 26, (THEWILL) – It has been reported that Boko Haram insurgents, on Thursday, attacked Jakana, a town located about 50 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The terrorists launched the attack in the evening, targeting a military base and the police station in the town, but they were repelled by soldiers deployed under the Nigerian army’s Operation Lafiya Dole.
The attack and subsequent gun battle lasted for at least two hours before the insurgents were chased out of the village by federal forces.
Brig-Gen Bulama Biu, GOC 7 Div, Maiduguri, who confirmed the incident, said the attack was promptly repelled.
“Yes, there was an attack and we are on top of the situational; I will get back to you for details,” he told NAN in a telephone interview on Thursday.
A policeman stationed in Jakana, who did not want his name mentioned, said the troops fought gallantly to repel the attackers.
Malam AdamuKemdi, a resident of Jakana who fled the town, told NAN that the insurgents came with sophisticated weapons mounted on more than 15 vehicles.
Kemdi said he was suspecting they stormed the town in search of food items, as Thursday is the market day in Jakana.
Villagers were reportedly left scampering into bushes for safety as the military engaged the armed group in a gun duel.
Jakana town is situated along Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano highway, which is considered the safest route to and from Maiduguri.
