Air Force jets yesterday pounded Boko Haram insurgents as they re-grouped to launch another attack on Damaturu the Yobe State capital.
Reports filtered into the town that the insurgents were regrouping at Garin Itace(firewood town) about 20km on the outskirts of Damaturu, to re-launch an attack on the town. The jet bombarded them.
Security sources said some local residents sighted the boys and alerted security agents who took proactive steps to attack the boys before their plans were hatched.
The sound of bombardment by the jet fighter coupled with a pocket of gunshots during the operations sent most residents back to their homes before the 6pm that the curfew took effect.
Some of the residents were even compelled to leave the town.
It was gathered that Governor Gaidam who was returning to Damaturu was turned back to Kano by security agents.
The source said “the governor’s convoy was almost at Bulkachuwa in Dambam Local government of Bauchi state when security advised him to turn back for fear of mistaken airstrike on his convoy”.
Troops yesterday in Konduga intercepted a vehicle laden with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) for suicide mission.
Also, more hideouts and escape routes of the insurgents have been blocked.
Fresh insights from intelligence gathered by the military confirmed the desperation of Boko Haram to take over Maiduguri and Damaturu, capitals of Borno and Yobe States.
A military source yesterday said: “Provoked by the daring and antics of terrorists, the Nigerian troops have continued to rain devastating blows on their (terrorists’) hideouts and escape routes.
This Wednesday’s morning, the troops in Konduga, Borno State destroyed a vehicle laden with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) meant for suicide bombing operation by the terrorists.
“This is the latest incident in the series of recent attempts being made by terrorists to make incursions into the town and other surrounding communities.
“While undisclosed number of terrorists were killed, no personnel or civilian was affected in today’s incident.
A top source said: “These insurgents are desperately out to take control of Maiduguri and Damaturu. They are looking for state capitals from where they can administer as a “rebel government.”
“They were curtailed before but they have suddenly renewed agitation for the two state capitals. They see the seizure of Konduga as vital to successful attacks on Maiduguri.
“In the last 48 hours, we have killed more than 150 insurgents. We are actually taking the battle to them now.
“With more equipment and reinforcement, the insurgents cannot go far any more.”
It was learnt that more volunteer groups have sprung up in some parts of the North-East to expose Boko Haram members living in different communities.
The top source added: “Even the locals are tired of these insurgents, they are rising up and supporting the military to expose the insurgents living in their midst.”