ISWAP fighters kidnap 5, burn 4 vehicles on Borno highway

At least four vehicles including a petrol tanker were burnt down along Maiduguri-Damaturu Road when Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked commuters in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday, sources said.

It was learnt that the motorists came under attack at exactly 10am around the axis of Goni Matari located between Minok and Jakana.

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“Five persons that were initially abducted by the fighters have been rescued by the troops of Operations Hadin-Kai,” a security source said.

Another security source said the terrorists burnt the petrol tanker which led to the temporary closure of the road for about 2 hours before it was later reopened. 

The source said, “The situation was brought under control by troops of Operations Hadin Kai as ISWAP fighters ran in different directions. Our gallant troop dealt with them.” 

Musty Babale, a member of the Civilians Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Mainok, said foodstuffs in the vehicles were looted before the attackers set them ablaze.

“The passengers ran into bushes for safety upon sighting the ISWAP fighters, so there was no casualty at all; the drivers and passengers abandoned the cars. So, in all, four vehicles including a petrol tanker were burnt down,” Babale said.