From Molly Kilete. Abuja
The Nigerian Army, yesterday, confirmed a Boko Haram attack on Kwang and Boftari villages in Borno State, on Monday.
One member of the vigilante group in the area was said to have been shot during the attack while the terrorists fled with gunshot wounds.
Acting Director of Army/Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, who made this known in a statement, yesterday, said “suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists, scavenging for food, attacked Kwang village and vigilantes from Dagu (which is about 4 kilometres from Kwang), responded and repelled the attack.”
Usman, who said soldiers have since been deployed to the area with clear orders to pursue and deal with the insurgents, disclosed another group attacked Boftari, which is about 15 kilometres from Chibok town.
“On receipt of the information, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, stationed in Forward Operation Base Chibok, mobilised to the area. The troops encountered Boko Haram’s ambush site shortly before Kuburmbula village. They quickly cleared the ambush and proceeded to Boftari.
“Unfortunately, the insurgents had set some houses on fire and fled. The troops put out the fire and are currently on the hunt for them.
“It is imperative to state that contrary to rumours flying around, no life was lost. Additionally, there is no presence of the insurgents in any of the villages, talk less of hoisting flags as alleged.
“The troops have continued to maintain high level of vigilance,” said Usman.