“How Policemen Confronted Boko Haram While Soldiers Fled Battle," Borno Residents Narrate
- Police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an attack by Boko Haram.
- Residents of the Banki community in the Bama local government area of Borno state commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his men for their courage
- The residents who expressed their appreciation to the police operatives narrated how some soldiers fled the area and abandoned the people
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Bama LGA, Borno state - Residents have narrated how a combined team of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Banki, Bama local government area of Borno state
They said the police officers confronted the terrorists, while some soldiers reportedly fled the battlefield.
Source: Twitter
As reported by Daily Trust, the residents said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Banki rallied his men and mobilised local support during the fierce gun battle with the terrorists.
They commended the DPO for his courage during the terrorist attack.
A resident identified as Aminu said the DPO, despite being advised to flee, refused to abandon his post.
“He organised his boys to defend their location and the people around them. People celebrated him after the attack,” he said.
“Many people, including the soldiers, had abandoned their positions and crossed to Cameroon, but the DPO encouraged many of us to stay back.”
According to another resident, the police operatives and the civilian JTF secured the Divisional Police Headquarters and the Nigeria Customs Service control post near the Cameroon border.
“We thank God for their courage. If we leave here, where do we go?”
A security source alleged that confusion over delayed air support contributed to the reason the soldiers’ retreat from the battle.
The source explained that the soldiers were told to hold back after receiving a signal that a fighter jet was coming to dislodge them.
He lamented that Boko Haram terrorists had already entered Banki before the jet arrived.
“Our troops were terrified by their large numbers. The commander was receiving too many conflicting orders. When we finally engaged, it was already too late.”
Source: Original
Borno: 2 Gunned Down, palace set on fire
Recall that two people were reportedly gunned down by some suspected Boko Haram terrorists who attacked and burnt down the district head's palace in Kirawa town in the Gwoza local government area of Borno.
Reports indicated that the incident happened when the terrorists attacked the community, which shared a border with Cameroon, on Monday night, September 29.
The terrorists killed two civilians, while one other person was injured. He added that many people in the village have fled to Cameroon as the attackers burnt down the palace and other buildings in the community.
Boko Haram: Zulum mobilises fighters to Borno community
In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that Borno state governor Babagana Umara Zulum mobilised the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) fighters of the Kirawa community.
Governor Zulm lamented that Cameroonian soldiers stationed in the town had been withdrawn.
The APC governor said the terrorists attacked the community, killed 2 people, and burnt down 50 houses, heavy-duty equipment, and eight vehicles.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
