The major Highway between Borno and Yobe States, Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, was closed to traffic for about two hours on Friday as men of the Borno State Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) engaged Boko Haram in a long shootout.
According to security source, the insurgents had taken a drive through the desert part with the intention of blocking the highway to kidnap travelers. The source said they were however spotted by men of the RRS deployed on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway who engaged them in heavy shootout.
The shootout which started at about 3pm lasted for about an hour and half. The RRS thwarted their movement as they were able to destabilize the insurgents after several shots of canisters of teargas. According to the source, the insurgents had to retrieve as they could not withstand the teargas.
Though no life was lost on the two sides, but two armored vehicles belonging to the RRS were said to be destroyed in the attack. The source said: “Boko Haram Terrorist attacks at Garin Kuturu along Maiduguri Damaturu Road today (Friday) at about 1630hrs was thwarted by RRS.
“The use of tear gas gave the police upper hand, while Boko Haram launched attacks on CTU and RRS Vehicle, the road was blocked for the commuters, after neutralising the road and ensuring safety of the civilians, they were escorted to Auno. “Efforts to kidnap was thwarted, the road is safe, no form of abduction,” the source said the operation against the insurgents was led by Commander RRS Borno State, Abioye Babalola.
The security source also revealed that two vehicles, a Sharon and Toyota Camry The Commander of RRS, Abioye Babalola, confirmed the incident when he was called by our correspondent but did not however give details. With registration number PKM 512 XA and KANO TRN 77 SY were recovered from the insurgents. He said normalcy had been brought to the highway and commuters were able to travel on the road again.
