Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a military base in Ngamdu, a community in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, threw the area into tension as soldiers engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
It was gathered that the insurgents, in large numbers, stormed the military camp located along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, leading to a temporary blockade of the busy road.
Motorists and travellers who were caught in the gridlock said the road remained closed for several hours before it was reopened around 11:20 a.m.
A traveller, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “I left Damaturu very early with the hope of arriving in Maiduguri around 9 a.m. for an engagement, but on reaching Ngamdu, the road was closed. Some security personnel told us to be patient, that there was a problem on the road. But residents said Boko Haram attacked the soldiers and killed some of them.”
Another source in the area said the terrorists took the troops by surprise, leading to heavy exchange of fire that lasted for hours.
“The insurgents attacked unexpectedly, and though the soldiers fought bravely, there were casualties on both sides,” the source said.
A security operative who confirmed the incident said the attack was repelled by the troops.
“Well, the terrorists attempted an ambush, but our gallant soldiers repelled them. Some of our men sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, but several insurgents were also neutralised,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army was yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.