The Nigerian military on Friday repelled an attack by insurgents on Dikwa, a local government in Borno State, sources said.
According to sources, the attack began late Friday evening and lasted for over three hours, forcing residents to seek refuge in the bush.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, scores of gunmen suspected to members of ISWAP stormed Dikwa about 86km Northeast of Maiduguri, the state capital with armed with gun trucks.
This attack is coming barely four days after another attack on a military base in Marte, a remote border community located 40km north of Dikwa. At least seven soldiers were reportedly killed in that attack.
“It was a massive attack, but the soldiers on the ground had stood their ground and gave their best to defend Dikwa,” a military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
Zakariya Dikwa, who represents the local government area in the state House of Assembly, confirmed the attack to our reporter.
“Dikwa came under attack this (Friday) evening, but from the reliable information I have received so far, the attack was repelled, ” he said.
The lawmaker said during the attack, residents fled into the bush, while others headed for Ajiri, a village about 40km away.
“I can confirm to you that the attack has been repelled; and from reliable intelligence I have so far received, the soldiers stood their ground as they tried to take control of Dikwa.
“But many of the residents who fled to Ajiri village are still held there because it was dangerous for them to come back this night.”
The lawmaker said he did not know if there was any loss of life during the attack.
A security source also said, “so far, we have not heard of anyone affected in that manner from the troops’ side
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