Charles Nwoke, Damaturu, Nigeria
A serious exchange of gun battle is ongoing between Nigerian security troops and ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorist groups in Babangida, the Headquarters of Tarmuwa Local Government Area Council of Yobe State.
Babangida is about 50km north-east of Damaturu, the state capital.
Military sources disclosed that the Jihadists were engaging military forces of Operation Hadin Kai in a fierce gun duel at the time of filing this report, Monday morning.
A resident of Babangida who pleaded anonymity, that was able to escape from the town to Damaturu city at the beginning of the exchange of fire, stated that many residents had equally fled into the bush to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
He said he saw heavy military reinforcement heading towards Tarmuwa as he was heading to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
“People in Babangida have run to the bush out of fear. I saw heavy military reinforcement as I was driving back to Damaturu,” he said.
A security source also confirmed the ugly situation. He said, “the Boko Haram boys are currently engaging in fire with our troops in Babangida now. But we have mobilised heavy reinforcement to the town.”
However, the details of the incident are still very sketchy. This report may likely be updated as the situation becomes clearer.