Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has applauded the Nigerian military’s ground and air components for what he described as “decisive blow against Boko Haram” in the early hours of Wednesday.
The insurgents had laid ambushed from different directions in attempt to overrun Damboa town in southern part of the state.
Zulum, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, said he was particularly impressed that soldiers fighting on the ground and air, with the complementary efforts of the civilian JTF and vigilantes, not only killed many insurgents but took the war to them even after they had fled.
“I find it compelling to salute our gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army and Air Force, under operation Lafiya Dole for a decisive blow against Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday morning in Damboa town.
“At about 6am yesterday, squads of the insurgents cleverly attacked Damboa from different directions, believing their ambush was going to succeed in overunning the town. Unfortunately for the insurgents, they met a far more determined and battle ready military.
“Soldiers of the army fought from the ground, the Air force quickly deployed fighter jets while volunteers in the Civilian JTF and Vigilantes complemented them. At first stage, destroyed 13 fighting vehicles after killing scores of insurgents, who drove on them.
“What I find even more impressive, was that after the insurgents retreated due to defeat, the military did not stay back, they remobilized and took the war to the fleeing insurgents and in the process, killed more insurgents and destroyed six more fighting vehicles, bringing to 19, the number of vehicles destroyed.
“The insurgents were deprived of and we know what one vehicle used for fighting means to the Boko Haram, talk more of 19. I salute our ground and air forces. I salute our volunteers who supported the military. I salute two volunteers, one each of the Civilian JTF and Vigilantes who paid the supreme price in trying to defend Borno and Nigeria.
“I commiserate with families of two women who died from stray bullets and wish those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery. I assure the people of Borno State that so much is being put in place in combined and very resolute effort, to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.
“By the power of God, the insurgency will eventually end and we shall regain our enduring peace and prosperity” Zulum said in the statement.
