Boko Haram overrun military base in Yobe

Suspected Boko Haram militants on Saturday overran military base in Jalli, a border village to Borno from Gaidam local government area of Yobe State. Jalli village, located 60km from Gaidam, the headquarters of Gaidam local government. A top military source confirmed to our correspondent that the insurgents, in large number,  attacked the military base around […]

Suspected Boko Haram militants on Saturday overran military base in Jalli, a border village to Borno from Gaidam local government area of Yobe State.

Jalli village, located 60km from Gaidam, the headquarters of Gaidam local government.

A top military source confirmed to our correspondent that the insurgents, in large number,  attacked the military base around 5:30 pm on Saturday.

"Yes, the 81 Division Forward Brigade in Jalli, a border to Borno from Gaidam was overran by the terrorists and some of our men ran to Gaidam for reinforcement but, everything is now under control," he said. 

When asked about the casualty figures, he said, "It’s too early to ascertain that, but there most be casualty from both sides".

A soldier who survived the attack old our correspondent that the terrorists come in fleet of military painted vehicles (camouflage)

"There was trench, but they confidently approached the gate and we opened thinking they were also troops from Gubio. They started shooting and we engaged them before being overran" he said. 

"About 10 of us ran to Ngilewa village where a  good Samaritan drove us to Damakarwa village and handed us to the troops from Gaidam," he said. 

He revealed that most of the troops were newly deployed to the brigade, and are not accustomed with the terrain. "I cannot say anything about the casualties but,the attack was fatal" he added

Modu Grema, a driver, said they rescued 53 soldiers and 1 vigilente (Kandera) that sustained village wound on his leg. 

"I was sleeping when 13 soldiers knocked at my door. Initially, I refused to open the door because of the gunshots that enraged the military location. When I opened, 13 soldiers asked me to drive them to Gaidam,  in fact they insisted. 

"I picked my car keys and drove them to Damakarwa village under an intense fear, because I would have been dead by now if we mistakenly cross path with the boys (Insurgents). ,"he said. 

Daily trust gathered that the attacked Army base, was a Forward Brigade of 81 Division, established months ago to halt the insurgents movement from Sambisa to Chad and other hideouts.