Troops frustrate, repel terrorists attack on Gubio, Magumeri markets

The Nigerian Army’s Seven Division, Maiduguri says it Wednesday successfully frustrated and repelled attempt by some terrorists to attack markets in Gubio and Magumeri communities in Borno State.

The Army, in a statement by Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the Division, Colonel Ado Isa, sent to The DEFENDER, however, expressed concern that some Nigerians misrepresented the development in the social media with intent to cause tension, which necessitated its clarification.

It said, against the trended reports saying the Army recorded casualties in the supposed terrorist attack, that it was the military troops that in actual sense frustrated and repelled the attackers.

The statement said on their escape route the terrorists, whose purpose was to be able to invade the markets to get food to eat but failed, started destroying properties in sight.

Colonel Isa said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to reports on various media platforms indicating attack on Gubio and Magumeri communities in Borno State at about 1735hrs of Wednesday the 21st of August, 2019.

“To avoid further misinformation that could create unnecessary tension, the Theatre Command wishes to state that the attack was targeted at Nigerian Army troops deployed in the areas to enable the terrorists gain access shops in the market in the towns to loot food items and other logistics. The attack was however repelled by the troops.

“Consequently, due to fierce exchange of fire, the terrorists were forced to withdraw in disarray from the town resulting to damages on buildings and property along their route of withdrawal.

“There were no casualty on the security force (troops) and no loss or damage to own equipment as wrongly insinuated on social media. However, a vigilante sadly lost his life in a cross fire. Also some civilians in the area reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries.

“Peace has so far been restored in the communities with residents going about their lawful businesses.

“The Nigerian Army once again call on all well meaning members of the public to collaborate with the military and other security agencies in the area of sharing of information and suspicious movement of criminals in their communities to proactively deal with criminal activities,” he said.