At least five soldiers have been killed and 30 missing in an evening attack on a military base in Kanamma town, headquarters of Yunusari local government area of Yobe state.
Boko Haram is suspected to have carried out the attack.
A top security source, who doesn’t want to be named revealed to newsmen that five dead bodies of soldiers have been recovered at attack scene.
“We lost five men in the attack, their bodies have been recovered hours after the terrorists were overpowered. But, about 30 soldiers are missing in action (MIA),” he said.
He said the insurgents nearly overran the base, but later overpowered by reinforcement that left large number of the insurgents killed with some fleeing the scene with bullet wounds.
A member of vigilante group, also told our correspondent that he saw five lifeless bodies of the soldiers taken in an ambulance by the military.
“I learnt that the corpses were taken to Damaturu or Maiduguri. Also, the insurgents took away 2 military vehicles. They were subdued by the help of fighter jet that killed many of them,” he said.
The Army spokesperson, 3 Division Nigeria Army, Colonel Kayode Ogunsanya confirmed the incident but denied any casualty in the attack.
“There was an attack on our troops two days ago by the Boko Haram Terrorists. The attack was repelled and our soldiers are in hot pursuit of the insurgents. No casualty was recorded on own side but insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.
Boko Haram militants attacked the military base in Kanamma town on Sunday around 5:45 pm, an attack that lasted for over three hours.
Meanwhile, The Borno Government has reviewed the curfew in Maiduguri metropolis from 8pm to 6am as against the existing 10pm to 6am.
Dr Mohammed Bulama, the Commissioner, Home Affairs, Information and Culture, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Maiduguri.
Bulama said that the curfew was temporary and would be between Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, to enhance security in the metropolis.
He disclosed that the curfew was imposed based on advice by the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
“The Borno State Government on the advice of the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, wishes to inform the general public that the existing curfew regime in the state has been temporarily rescheduled.
“The curfew as from Tuesday, January 2 to Friday, January 6, 2018, will commence from 8pm till 6 am.
“This review is done in the overriding interest of public safety and to ensure that the emerging peace in the state is further consolidated.
“While deeply regretting any inconvenience this adjustment of curfew timing may cause, the Borno State Government craves the understanding and full cooperation of the general public”.
