CALAMITY was averted yesterday when troops of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ successfully repelled Boko Haram insurgents’ attack in Maiduguri, chasing them out the city.
The insurgents had stormed the Molai and Jiddari areas of the state capital at about 7pm just as Muslim faithful were breaking their Ramadan fast, setting houses on fire before the troops moved in and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
According to residents, the exchange of gunshots lasted for hours before the gallant soldiers were able to overcome the terrorists who had to flee from the town.
The shooting, an officer from the 7 Division located in Maiduguri, said involved the use of heavy artillery to overcome the insurgents who were heavily armed with long-range explosives and gun tanks.
Though no casualty figure could be ascertained, Military helicopters were seen hovering around the town and the surroundings while ambulances were also seen as the Army carried out a mop-up operation to make sure the insurgents did not have any hiding place in the town and to evacuate any injured soldier or civilian.
