Residents hail troops for eliminating 10 militants in Yobe

Residents of Geidam Local Government Area in Yobe State have commended troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, 159 Battalion Geidam, Yobe State for their recent actions in protecting the town.

The troops successfully engaged and killed 10 suspected Boko Haram militants during an attempted attack on the town.

A resident, who wished to be anonymous told Daily Trust that militants attacked the town on Friday but their attempt was thwarted by the troops.

He said “The attackers stormed the town around 1:30am, while most people were asleep. However, thanks to the dedication of Lt. Col. Sadiq Rikoto, the commanding officer of the 159 Battalion, the attack was repelled.

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“In the initial encounter, the Boko Haram militants resisted and engaged the military for about three hours in a firefight before retreating. At least 10 insurgents were killed, while others fled with injuries.”

Residents who spoke with Daily Trust commended Lt. Col. Sadiq for his change in strategy which led to the foiled attack.

A local businessman noted that the security improvement was strategic, timely and effective.

He added that while insurgents had recently increased attacks on unarmed villagers in the state, the military had managed to prevent several attacks in Geidam.

Bukar Maina, a farmer from the area, told reporters that the town’s residents appreciated the 159 Battalion’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to the menace of terrorism.

He praised the new strategy that showed the troops’ intensified efforts to rid the North East of insurgency.

He also urged residents, particularly those living in affected areas, to cooperate with the military and support their operations.

Attempts to obtain a comment from Captain Shehu Muhammad, Assistant Director of Public Relations for Operation Lafiya Dole Sector 2 in Damaturu, were unsuccessful.