from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – NIGERIAN troops have foiled rebel groups that aimed to take over a northeastern town to loot food.
The Nigerian army said the Boko Haram and militants attempted to infiltrate Dikwa town Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) having gotten information of the recent food distribution to residents.
Dikwa is in the Borno State, which is the worst impacted region by terror.
The terrorist groups stormed the town in an unconfirmed number of gun trucks and motorcycles.
“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,” said Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, the Nigerian Army Director of Public Relations.
He said in desperation and to scare off residents from returning to their homes, the militants planted series of landmines on the roads which were also detected and successfully detonated by troops.
The army spokesman dispelled reports that the Boko Haram had kidnapped 25 aid workers in Borno.
“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.”
The Boko Haram is wreaking havoc in northeast Nigeria.
More than 30 000 people have been killed with an estimated three million others displaced.
– CAJ News