The Nigerian army has said that Boko Haram suffered heavy losses in both equipment and personnel while trying to take over Dikwa in Borno state.
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole currently carrying out Operation Tura Takaibango stationed at Dikwa and Gulumba Gana supported by the Air Component inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram Terrorists who attempted to take control of the strategic town of Dikwa, the headquarters of Dikwa LGA of Borno State.
Yerima said the terrorists in their numbers mounted on 12 gun trucks and attacked the town on the eve of Sunday 18 April 2021, just as the locals prepared to break their Ramadan fast for the day.
The statement read;
“The troops having contained the initial wave of the attack had to occupy their alternative Headquarters at Gulumba Gana to enable the Air Component engage any gun trucks and other technicals in the vicinity of the attack to prevent fratricide. The troops launched a counter attack in the early hours of Monday 19 April 2021 and successfully reoccupied their main headquarters in Dikwa.
“The retreating terrorists suffered heavy losses in both equipment and personnel including some of their key leaders from the superior firepower of own troops both from the air and ground forces. The troops are currently patrolling Dikwa town and environs to assess the level of damage inflicted on the terrorists.”
The statement added that the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru has commended the troops for their doggedness and directed them to restrategise in order to prevent any further attacks in the area.
By Hajia R.