Nigeria - Boko Haram, JTF Engage in Shootout in Maiduguri

Members of the Boko Haram group Wednesday engaged soldiers in a shoot-out which lasted for about an hour. The shootout however forced many residents of the town to return home in time even before the curfew time.

It was learnt that members of the sect had ambushed some soldiers deployed to Gwange, a Boko Haram haven at about 5p.m., leading to the death of one of the soldiers. Angered by the killing of the soldier, the Joint Task Force (JTF) hurriedly dispatched about five patrol vehicles and armoured tank with soldiers to the area.

The well known Lagos Street was immediately cordoned off forcing many who were returning from the University of Maiduguri and its teaching hospital (UMTH) to take alternative routes.

A resident of Gwange who spoke on phone to journalists, said: “I think the Boko Haram killed one of their men and another one was injured. So when they came there, they started shooting, breaking peoples’ houses and blocking all the roads in the area. Some people were hit by stray bullets but I can’t tell you the number of death now or casualties because everywhere is dark.”

No comment could be officially received from the JTF as at the time of filing this report last night, as the Field Operation Officer, Colonel Victor Ebhaleme, did not respond to calls to his mobile line, while that of the PRO, Lt. Col Hassan Mohammed, was switched off when contacted.

By Michael Olugbode