Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have repelled a Boko Haram assault on a community in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to flee after setting several homes and vehicles ablaze.
The attackers reportedly slipped into the town late Saturday night, torching residential buildings and destroying property, including a vehicle belonging to the Civilian Joint Task Force.
According to Hon. Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro, Executive Chairman of Magumeri LGA, security forces responded immediately after receiving distress calls.
“The terrorists fled out of the town at about 3am on Sunday after they were overwhelmed. Unfortunately, they set ablaze residential houses and other property. But no life was lost,” he said.
He added that the combined efforts of troops, Civilian JTF members, hunters, and local volunteers ensured the attackers were driven out.
“Our gallant troops and members of Civilian JTF, Hunters and Volunteers responded to distress calls and successfully repelled the rampaging terrorists,” he noted, commending the coordinated response.
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Yaro said normal activities were gradually returning to the town following the intervention.
The incident comes amid a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across Borno. In recent weeks, two commanding officers were killed during clearance operations in Bama and Damboa LGAs.
Military sources say the weeklong operational tour by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff has led to a renewed strategic push aimed at weakening insurgent strongholds.
During the visits, troops in the theatre reaffirmed their commitment to protecting communities in the North-East, while the service chiefs pledged improved support and welfare for frontline personnel.