Jihadists, an infamous Islamic militants group is prominent for conducting incessant attacks in Nigeria. For some time, they have posed insecurity threats in the country as innocent civilians have succumbed amid their raids. During this weekend, they ambushed civilians, armed to the tooth.
Militants attack
According to security sources, the jihadists opened fire in trucks filled with weapons. They purposed to attack, kill, and abduct as they also released rocket-propelled grenades in the direction of the civilians’ convoy. Meanwhile, Nigerian soldiers fought back trying to salvage the civilians.
Since the terrorists launched a surprise attack, nine Nigerian soldiers died attempting to save the civilians who were at that time helpless and scared. Two jihadists also died during the attack.
“Nine soldiers and two (anti-jihadist) militia were killed in the attack, ” a military officer said.
“It was an ambush on a civilian convoy escorted by troops and the militia,” said the military officer who asked not to be identified.
The convoy under attack consisted of over 100 vehicles therefore several civilians are at risk. Following the ambush, there were reports that many civilians went missing. Reports speculate that the jihadists had kidnapped some of the women and children. This is one of the most unexpected raids as the country is dealing with the global pandemic of the coronavirus infection.
Militia Leader
According to militia leader Liman, the convoy was from Maiduguri to Damboa. He said most of the civilians also sustained several injuries. Iman also reported that before these sociopathic militants retreated, they looted supplies. Currently, they are hiding in Sambisa, their usual hideout.
Both Boko Haram and its Splinter Islamic State West Africa Province are famous for commonly attacking innocent travelers, military, and convoys. Often, they conduct these raids in regions with bogus checkpoints and on highways at the outskirt of Maiduguri. These attacks have left many individuals scared.
Effects of the attacks
Since these attacks have become rampant in the present weeks, travelers have been moving in convoys, escorted by the military. Mostly the people heading to the north of Maiduguri. Nevertheless, despite the military escorting these travelers, they are still prone to attacks.
The civilians have been so affected because of the existing conflict between the jihadists and the Nigerian government. Some of the damages being permanent. For instance, the death tolls amid these attacks have been rampant. The majority have lost their loved ones i.e up to 36000 have died.
Also, attacks on remote villages have resulted in around two million people getting displaced. As such, most of them have become IDPs, left depending on aid from the government. Similarly, upon witnessing these attacks, most of them are scared of returning to their homes. It’s like the victims are living in so much fear and worry.
The violence has spread in the neighboring West African states as such, they have come together. Chad, Niger, and Cameroon have formed a regional military coalition to combat the militia attacks. Security is a significant aspect of the life of humans.
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