BREAKING: ISWAP fighters in gun duel with Army in Borno

It is a battle for life and superiority in Borno as gunmen suspected to be fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) were in a gun duel with the Nigerian Army personnel in Borno.

According to a report by DailyTrust, the gunmen loyal to one Abou Aseeya, stormed the military base in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state Saturday morning.

The attack as reported was not a surprising one as NewsWireNGR gathered some civilians sighted the ISWAP fighters in a long convoy of gun trucks along Ngude axis towards Askira, early this morning, reported it to security forces but no action was taken.

Confirming the report, the Deputy Speaker of Borno House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Musa Askira, said; “Yes, ISWAP is currently attacking Askira town. I was reliably informed that our troops are fighting them, but the residents are in the bush.

“My people told me that the insurgents came with about 16 gun trucks and there is confusion in the whole town now”.

A member of civilians JTF, Yakubu Luka, said immediately the attackers stormed the town, they went to the military base.

“We are expecting a reinforcement from the nearby community, as I am speaking with you heavy gunfire is ongoing.

“We are appealing to the authorities to send fighter jets to support the ground soldiers. We are outnumbered; we only have five gun trucks with us”.

Also, a Twitter user and security expert, Captain Kyari MAGUOMERI (Rtd) (@Damkarwa2) posted; “#ISWAP Jundul KILAFAH loyal to Abou Aseeya are currently attacking Askira Uba town province NE. Report says Fighters have destroyed several GSM Mast in the town. Residents fled scampering for safety”.