Troops repel ISWAP attack in Damasak

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, have repelled an attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Damasak town, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources said the assailants stormed the town at about 10:30 p.m., firing sporadically and causing panic among residents, many of whom fled for safety.

During the attack, three civilians were fatally struck by stray bullets. The victims were identified as Goni Dauda, 25, from Zanna Umarti Ward; Modu Ya’asham, 32, from Gajiram Town; and Asinamai David, 25, from Bula Kara in Gubio Town. Another resident, Kellu Bukar, 40, who lives in an internally displaced persons camp, sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Damasak.

Troops swiftly responded to the distress call, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle and forcing them to retreat with suspected gunshot wounds.

Security personnel later secured the area and evacuated the victims. The bodies of Goni Dauda and Modu Ya’asham were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, while Asinamai David was laid to rest following Christian rites.

Authorities said calm has since been restored in the town, with security forces maintaining surveillance to forestall further attacks.