Army confirms attack on Damasak, denies take over by Boko Haram

 

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the attack on Damasak in Borno State, on Tuesday, by Boko Haram but denied the terrorist group had taken control of the local government.

In a statement issued Thursday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima, the army said reports in the media that Boko Haram terrorists have overrun and in control of Damasak town was “blatant misinformation”.

Yerima, however, acknowledged that there was an attack by the terrorists but they were effectively repelled by troops of the Nigerian Army.

“As we speak, troops are in total control of the general area and as can be seen in the attached video (video not attached), the Commander of 5 Brigade, Brig Gen SS Tilawan, is driving round the town earlier this afternoon to assess the general situation following the cowardly attack by the terrorists who sneaked in from the northern flank yesterday in active collaboration of some local informants.

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“The Nigerian Army wishes to assure residents of Damasak and adjoining communities to remain calm as mop operation by the troops are ongoing to flush out the remnant of the terrorists who attacked a section of the town,” Yerima said in his statement.

The video seen by RELIABLESOURCENG.COM shows a deserted neighbourhood with locked shops, a couple of shop owners inside their shops and handful of soldiers on the road.