​​​​Nigerian Army reinforces Yobe town after Boko Haram attack

Meanwhile, the twin bomb explosions which occurred in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Wednesday, killed 18 people, and at injured at least eight persons.

A statement by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations said the attack was successfully repelled by the troops and the reinforcement sent.

The extremists have stepped up attacks since President Muhammadu Buhari took office in May pledging to halt the 6-year-old Islamic uprising that has killed a few 20,000 people, according to Amnesty worldwide. But Col. Usman declined to give the number of militants killed, saying the army is still conducting a “mop up operation” in the area following the attack.

The Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, was not impressed with the performance of the dislodged troops. “He warned the officers of the unit that such ugly incident should not be allowed to happen again”, the army reported.

“As of the time we visited the location, there were mop up operation going on and quite a number of dead bodies of the terrorists were recovered and a few items”.

A few of the residents, who fled into nearby bushes during the attack, on coming out yesterday morning to assess extend of destruction, said they found so many shops looted by the insurgents.

Abuja – The European Parliament has asked for immediate coordinated global action to assist the work of United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations in preventing the displacement of Nigeria children and youths as well as exposure to sexual violence and kidnappings amid the Boko Haram terror. They contend that if the militants could attack an army headquarters in the area where soldiers were based with such impunity, then their lives are not secured.

“According to him, while the troops killed most of the attacking terrorists and destroyed their weapons and equipment, the Army also lost three soldiers and a few equipment during the encounter”. He also met with a few of the community leaders and Idris Aloma Polytechnic staff where he assure them of their safety and improved security.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), in one of four resolutions passed on Thursday, strongly condemns Boko Haram’s crimes, including terrorist raids and suicide bombings in Chad, Cameroon and Niger. We reaffirm our determination and commitment to root out the Boko Haram terrorists in all their enclaves before the end of this year.