Terrorists of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), and Boko Haram, got a bloody nose and ran with their tails between their legs over the weekend as troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with local hunters, amputated their vicious attempt to destroy high tension electric pylons near Kasesa Village, on the outskirts of Damaturu, Yobe State.
In a statement, the Army also said the quick and decisive action of the troops and hunters, based on credible intelligence, prevented a potential catastrophe and safeguarded the electricity infrastructure in the region.
Recall that the Federal Government had earlier insisted that terrorists were frustrating its efforts to stabilize power supply nationwide as they were vandalising critical power infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas, especially the North-east.
The government, September 2021, had estimated the cost of vandalised transmission equipment belonging to the TCN in Maiduguri alone at N1.7 billion, adding that the damages caused by the ruinous activities of the terrorists had hindered the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from extending power to the affected areas.
The Army further revealed that troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid ambush for the terrorists and intercepted them on their way to the pylons.
“A fierce firefight ensued as the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their vehicle and flee with gunshot wounds,” the Army continued in the statement. “Upon searching the vehicle, the troops discovered eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with detonating cords, along with a trade test card belonging to one Emmanuel Adamu.”
Elated by the success of the operation, the Army described the development as a pointer to the dedication and vigilance of the security forces in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the local communities in Yobe State.
