Hundreds of thousands of travellers were stranded along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway after Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on a military formation along the route, The Nation has reported.
According to reports, passengers traveling from both Maiduguri and Damaturu remain trapped as security forces have blocked the highway from both ends to prevent further incidents.
An early morning traveller told journalists that the attack occurred late Thursday night at the Ngamdu Military Super Camp, located less than 50 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
“Hundreds of passengers and vehicles are trapped here at the Damaturu exit point en route to Maiduguri. No one knows their fate or when the ever-busy road will be reopened for free movement,” an eyewitness told our correspondent via phone.
Giving an account of the incident, another eyewitness @mautiin01 said:
TROOPS CONTINUE EXPLOITATION OPERATIONS AFTER REPELLING INSURGENT ATTACK IN NGAMDU
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified exploitation operations in the Ngamdu area after successfully repelling a coordinated terrorist attack, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.
The insurgents, who employed RPGs, armed drones, and IEDs, were decisively overpowered, suffering heavy losses. Wounded troops are receiving medical attention, while a few vehicles sustained minor damage. Military engineers have cleared IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu road, restoring safe movement for both military and civilian traffic.
The gallant troops have been commended by the locals as fighting patrols continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and maintain peace in the area.
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