Twenty-four members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect died during the gun duel with security forces in Monday’s early-morning attack in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
According to a statement signed by Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade in Abuja on Monday, the Nigerian security forces repelled the attack, which was targeted at military locations such as the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri.
“Three decommissioned military aircrafts as well as two helicopters were incapacitated in the course of the attack”, Olubolade said.
“Two Air Force personnel were also wounded while 24 insurgents died during the exchange of fire. Security forces are in pursuit of the terrorists in the Djemtillo general area along the Maiduguri/Banishek axis”.
While confirming that movement in Maiduguri and environs had been restricted, the statement implored citizens to report fleeing insurgents, who will easily be identifiable with gunshot wounds, anytime and anywhere they are spotted.
It confirmed as well that temporarily suspended flight operations to and from the Maiduguri Airport had resumed.
However, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) debunked reports that the Maiduguri International Airport was affected by the Boko Haram attack.
General Manager, Corporate Communications of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, the Authority’s conceded that some areas close to the airport were affected but clarified that the Maiduguri Airport itself did not encounter any bombing.
In another confirmation, Managing Director of Med-View Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole said operations of his airline were not even affected by the attack, as flights into Yola from Abuja and Lagos went on.
Meanwhile, after the attack, President Goodluck Jonathan summoned an emergency security, which was attended by National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Ibrahim, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh.
No official statement was issued at the end of the meeting while the CDS refrained from speaking with State House correspondents, save the line that the attack was “being managed”.
Similarly, Chief of Air Staff declined comments, saying only the CDS could address the media.
