Nigerian troops fighting insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country have rescued 30 women and children from the clutches of the Boko Haram sect as the army liberated Dikwa in Borno State.
Those rescued include seven women, 21 children and a six-day old baby. Among the seven women were three nursing mothers and two male adults.
The rescued women and children had been held captive by the sect at Kwayabe and Wufe wards in Dikwa Local Council Area of Borno State.
The Army also confirmed that it liberated the palace of the Shehu of Dikwa, which had become the training camp of the Boko Haram following the sect’s raid on the town, an incident which forced the Emir to flee.
In a statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Maiduguri, Col. Tukur Gusau, the Army said: “our troops discovered a training shed inside the vandalised and looted palace of the Shehu of Dikwa, where weapon handling and engagement of aircraft were being taught to new Boko Haram recruits.
“As a result of ongoing operations, under the aegis of Operation Lafiya Dole to clear Dikwa and its environs of Boko Haram terrorists, the troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army on Monday rescued 30 internally displaced persons from the hands of the terrorist in Kwayabe and Wufe wards in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.”
In a related development, the Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that it successfully repelled Boko Haram attack on Buratai, the home town of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday night
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said the Boko Haram insurgents attempted twice to attack the town but were rebuffed by the troops.
He added that for about the fourth time since February 2014, Boko Haram terrorists moved against Buratai, the home town of Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai last night, which is also the location of a military camp.
He added: “in their desperate attempt to capture the town, the invaders struck at about 9.30pm but were repelled by Nigerian soldiers.
“The terrorists returned again at about 3.00am and were equally pushed back.”
