The military authorities said it has foiled a planned Sallah-Day attack by the Boko Haram sect in Borno State.
The spokesman of the Seven Division of the Nigeria Army Maiduguri, Capt. Aliyu Ibrahim Danja in and email sent to reporters in Maiduguri said that the terrorists had concluded plans to launch attacks during the festive period but was foiled by a security tip-off.
According to him, fierce fighting last Sunday erupted between members of the Boko Haram sect and troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army on the outskirts of Sambisa Forests in Konduga and Bama council areas of the state.
Part of the email read thus: “Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army has foiled yet another attack by Boko Haram Terrorists aimed at inflicting havoc on Borno state prior to Sallah festivities. The terrorists whom are of unknown strength attempted coordinated simultaneous attacks on Bama, Gwoza and Pulka towns in Borno state night of Sunday 13 October 2013.”
“Soldiers of 7 Division in anticipation however, successfully repelled all the attacks killing 40 Terrorists in the 3 locations while several others escaped with gunshot wounds‚Äù
“In a related coordinated attack by the Nigerian Air force in collaboration with ground troops, Boko haram elements and their assets were successfully neutralized at Kilani general area of the state.
Capt. Danja explained that “Soldiers also destroyed a pickup vehicle loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) meant for destruction of Bama town during the encounter.
Security was however very tight during the Eid-El Kabir prayers in Maiduguri the state capital. At the time of filling this report, no incident of violence was reported, just as prayers were held peacefully within the metropolis.
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army Maj Gen Obidah Tahau Ethan in his felicitation urged Muslim faithful within Borno state “to continue to pray for peaceful coexistence in Borno state and the country at large”.