Nigerian troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have foiled the attempts of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, to attack Dikwa town in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The spokesman to the army, Mohammed Yerima, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to him, the terrorists attempted to invade the town to loot food items and other logistics, following the recent food distribution to residents of the town by the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum.
The statement said: “The terrorists subsequently lost initiative as they were cut off completely following the recent successful recapture of Marte town by the gallant troops.
“They came in their droves through the Marte axis but could not gain access to the town due to the combat readiness of troops who were positioned there.
“In desperation and to scare off residents from returning to their homes, they planted a series of landmines on the roads which were also detected and successfully detonated by troops,” the statement added.
Mr Yerima revealed that the Army denied reports circulating online claiming that a UN base was attacked, trapping 25 aid workers in the state.
He said: “Those false and sensational reports are clearly aimed at stirring up tension in the region and diminishing the glaring efforts and sacrifices of the Nigerian military in the fight against insurgency.
“Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, has commended the efforts of the gallant troops and the prompt response of the Air Task Force in providing air interdictions throughout the operation,” he added.
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