Over 100 Boko Haram militants may have been killed by Nigerian troops yesterday in heavy fighting with the notorious group in Konduga town, about 40 kilometres from Maiduguri, sources have told SaharaReporters.
Hundreds of the militants stormed the area in the early hours of yesterday in a convoy of utility vehicles and motorcycles but met heavy resistance from the federal troops, supported by local vigilantes.
Kolobe Abdullahi, one of the local vigilantes, told our reporter that nobody in the area could sleep because they had received information about the impending attack, and that his people came out to support the troops.
“People sighted [the militants] when they were coming and they were seriously dealt with,” he said, adding that over 100 militants were killed while many others received injuries.
Abdullahi further explained that all the Boko Haram utility vehicles were destroyed along with some cars and motorcycles, and some arms and vehicles seized.
Abba Ali, another resident, described the experience as the most joyous day in his life because of the success over the militants.
"I think today is the happiest in my life,” he said. “Boko Haram had killed two of my brothers in their recent attack on Konduga but today many of bodies were scattered on the streets. I salute the courage of our gallant soldiers and members of the civilian JTF. We are ready for them.”
Continuing the story in detail, he said, “Our people and the civilian JTF climbed trees and telecom mast to sight them in the morning and behold they were coming, hundreds in number, in Hiluxes, motorcycles and cars. The soldiers waited for them and when they came, they attacked them immediately. Alhamudllahi, we are so happy today."
Many residents of Maiduguri have fled from the city in last two weeks in fear that the city might come under the attack of Boko Haram, who have captured at least six local governments in Borno State. They also occupy two in Yobe State, and another two are under their control in Adamawa State.