Commending the security forces for their work in repelling the attack, Governor Geidam called on them to remain at their highest alert level and to carry the good work to its logical conclusion. He also directed hospital authorities to provide adequate support to innocent victims of the attack who come to them for medical attention.
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State says that Damaturu, the capital, is firmly under under government control, thanks to security forces who beat back Monday’s attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Abdullahi Bego, the governor’s Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, said in a press statement that his principal was away to Abuja, but has been briefed on the situation by the heads of law enforcement agencies on the ground in Damaturu.
“The governor has condemned the attack as heinous and barbaric,” he said. “He has also expressed appreciation to the security forces who worked very hard on the ground and from the air to repel the attack and force many of the attackers to flee. As a result of their effort, Damaturu remains firmly under government control.”
He said the governor has been told that the security effort is ongoing, and that security agents will continue to track and pursue any remnants of the attackers who might still be hiding in the town.
Commending the security forces for their work in repelling the attack, Governor Geidam called on them to remain at their highest alert level and to carry the good work to its logical conclusion.
He also directed hospital authorities to provide adequate support to innocent victims of the attack who come to them for medical attention.
Nigerian Defense Headquarters also issued a release regarding the recapture of Damaturu. The statement says that the work of ground troops, assisted by the Nigerian airforce, is to thank for the successful bombardment of militants.
The release also quotes a "top security source" who revealed that "the battle is not yet over, as there are suspicions that some of the terrorists might have melted into the community to hide or for other ulterior motives."
Read the full release below.
Nigerian Troops Repel Terrorists in Damaturu
The Nigerian troops have further demonstrated their gallantry when they resisted and repelled rampaging militants who attempted to invade Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State early today.
The ground troops were supported by the Nigerian Airforce jet that provided aerial supports with heavy bombardments at the terrorist targets.
PRNIgeria gathered that the troops were mindful of the rule of engagement as well as non-passage of State of Emergency, they nevertheless adopted strategic approach to secure the civilian population while repelling and apprehending the terrorists.
A top security source disclosed that "the battle is not yet over, as there are suspicions that some of the terrorists might have melted into the community to hide or for other ulterior motives."
The security personnel therefore urged the residents to assist the force by identifying and exposing the terrorists that may be hiding within the community.
Meanwhile early in the morning the Defence Headquarters had assured Nigerians that the military was engaging the terrorists in Damaturu.
In the tweet, it states that "Troops backed by the Airforce are carefully engaging terrorists who attacked the town in the early hours of today. The approach is to secure the civilian population while repelling or apprehending the terrorists."